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Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020 India has made a remarkable jump in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report...

22 May 2020 Paper 2
International Tea Day

Why in News Recently, the first International Tea Day was observed on 21st May after it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in...

22 May 2020 News Analysis
Ecologically Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change interacted with Chief Ministers of six states through a video...

22 May 2020 News Analysis
International Day for Biological Diversity

Why in News The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22nd May every year to increase understanding and awareness of...

22 May 2020 News Analysis
Odisha Promotes Contract Farming

Why in News Recently, the Odisha government has promulgated an ordinance allowing investors and farmers to enter into an agreement for contract...

22 May 2020 News Analysis
Self Reliance in Defence Manufacturing

This article is based on “Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle” from The Hindu published on 21/05/20. It talks about the...

22 May 2020 News Editorials
Banks Seek Another Moratorium

Why in News The banking sector is pushing for a moratorium on loan repayments by another three months to 31st August, easing of bad loan...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
India Resumes Purchase of Malaysian Palm Oil

Why in News Recently, India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a gap of four-month following a diplomatic row between the two...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Preventive Methods for Alzheimers

Why in News Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) have found methods for preventing the accumulation of neurotoxic...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Steps to Boost Ease of Doing Business

Why in News Recently, the Government of India has decided to bring various amendments to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and Companies Act,...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Health Related Schemes in Haryana

Why in News Recently, the Haryana government has launched ‘H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers’ and Hepatitis-B control...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Coir Geo Textile

Why in News Recently, the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) has announced that coir geo textiles will be used for...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Solarisation of Konark Sun Temple

Why in News The Government of India has launched a scheme for 100% solarisation of Konark sun temple and Konark town in Odisha. The scheme will...

21 May 2020 News Analysis
Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Challenges

This article is based on “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan lays strong foundations for raising our per capita GDP” which was published in...

21 May 2020 News Editorials
India’s Afghan Policy and Taliban

This article is based on “Getting India back to the Afghan high table” which was published in The Hindu on 18/05/2020. It talks about...

20 May 2020 News Editorials
Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Corporate Affairs

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken several landmark initiatives in pursuance to the objective of providing greater “ Ease of...

20 May 2020 Paper 2
India to Chair WHO Executive Board

Why in News Recently, India has been elected to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Executive Board. It will also be holding a Chairmanship...

20 May 2020 News Analysis
Fall in Global Carbon Emissions

Why in News Recently, the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research (CICERO) has evaluated Covid-19’s effect on carbon...

20 May 2020 News Analysis
United Nations Relief and Works Agency

Why in News Recently, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), has applauded India’s financial support to keep its basic services...

20 May 2020 News Analysis
Illicit Drug Supply and Covid-19: UNODC

Why in News Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released a report on ‘Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia:...

20 May 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Commerce & Industry',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>World Bank&rsquo;s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has made a remarkable jump in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank&rsquo;s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020</strong></a>. It is ranked 63<sup>rd</sup> among 190 countries improving by 14 ranks from its rank of 77 in 2019.</li>
<li>The 2020 edition of the Report acknowledges India as one of the top 10 improvers, third time in a row, with an improvement of 67 ranks in 3 years. It is also the highest jump by any large country since 2011.</li>
<li>The World Bank will now include Kolkata and Bengaluru, besides Delhi and Mumbai, for preparing ease of doing business reports, in order to provide a holistic picture of the business environment of the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145118_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145118_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Essential Features of India's Performance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ranking improved basically on four parameters:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Starting a Business-</strong> India made starting a business easier by fully integrating multiple application forms into a general incorporation form,</li>
<li><strong>Dealing with Construction Permits-</strong> For example, building a warehouse cost around 4% of the warehouse value as compared to 5.7% in the previous year,</li>
<li><strong>Trading across Borders-</strong> with a single electronic platform- improved electronic submission methods for documents and upgrades to port infrastructure, import and export process became easier, and</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Insolvency-</strong> Recovery rate under resolving insolvency has improved significantly from 26.5% to 71.6%. Also, the time taken for resolving insolvency has also come down significantly from 4.3 years to 1.6 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Global Innovation Index (GII)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the past 4 years India&rsquo;s rank in the GII has improved from the 81<sup>st</sup> rank in 2015 to the present 52<sup>nd</sup> rank in GII 2019 report.</li>
<li>India became the first developing country to launch the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Innovation Index (GII)</strong> </a>in association with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institutions-international-world-intellectual-property-organisation-wipo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)</strong> </a>and <strong>Confederation of India (CII).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s rankings have been consistently increasing over the last few years and are among the top in the world in innovation drivers such as <strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT), services exports, graduates in science and engineering, the quality of universities, gross capital formation</strong> (a measure of economy-wide investments) and <strong>creative goods exports.</strong></li>
<li>India stands out in the <strong>world&rsquo;s top science and technology clusters,</strong> with <strong>Bengaluru, Mumbai,</strong> and <strong>New Delhi</strong> featuring among the top 100 global clusters.</li>
<li>India continues to be the <strong>most innovative economy</strong> in central and southern Asia (a distinction held since 2011).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145147_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145147_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Performance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Switzerland tops the GII index followed by Sweden, United States of America, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Germany and Israel.</li>
<li>The theme of <strong>GII- 2019 (12<sup>th</sup> edition)</strong> is<strong> &ldquo;Creating Healthy Lives - The Future of Medical Innovation&rdquo;</strong> which aims to explore the role of medical innovation as it shapes the future of healthcare.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Steps Taken for Export Promotion</h3>
<p>In order to promote export the Department of Commerce has undertaken various measures:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>&lsquo;NIRVIK&rsquo;</strong> scheme: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) has introduced a new Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS) called<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nirvik-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;NIRVIK&rsquo;</strong></a> for exporters in which increased insurance cover for export credit has been extended by banks from existing average of 60% to 90% for both Principal and Interest.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Export Credit Guarantee Corporation</strong> Ltd<strong> (ECGC)</strong> is wholly owned by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
<li>The Government of India had initially set up the Export Risks Insurance Corporation in 1957.</li>
<li>After the introduction of insurance covers to banks during the period 1962-64, the name was changed to Export Credit &amp; Guarantee Corporation Ltd in 1964.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was changed to ECGC Ltd in August 2014.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its<strong> objective</strong> was to promote exports from the country by providing credit risk insurance and related services for exports.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme:</strong> An online portal for filing applications under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/transport-and-marketing-assistance-tma-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA)'</strong></a> scheme for Specified Agriculture Products has been launched.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a scheme for <strong>providing financial assistance</strong> for transport and marketing of agriculture products to boost exports of such commodities to certain countries in Europe and North America.</li>
<li>To <strong>mitigate disadvantage</strong> of higher cost of transportation of export of specified agriculture products due to trans-shipment.</li>
<li>To <strong>promote brand recognition</strong> for Indian agricultural products in the specified overseas markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin Management System:</strong> It gives a single access point for all exporters, for all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and for all agencies. India has 15 FTAs/PTAs and 7 lakh &lsquo;Certificates of Origin&rsquo; are issued annually.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The platform will be made live for FTAs as per the concurrence of the concerned partner countries. This process is electronic, paperless and transparent with real time tracking of FTA utilisation at product level and country level. It will also lead to reduced transaction cost and time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP):</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/remission-of-duties-or-taxes-on-export-product" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RoDTEP</strong></a> is a new scheme to replace existing <strong>Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS)</strong> scheme.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from boosting the export sector of our country, RoDTEP will coordinate with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to reduce the post-production transaction costs for exporters.</li>
<li>The implementation of the scheme thereby must provide a production-oriented process along with WTO, which in turn can boost the production of SMEs, MSMEs.</li>
<li><strong>Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> was not WTO rules compliant. It was introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The objective was to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods/products which are produced /manufactured in India including products produced/manufactured by MSME Sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Logistics Sector:</strong> National Logistics Policy, 2019 is being prepared with the aim to bring down the total logistics cost from 14% to 9% of the country's GDP.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy aims to boost business competitiveness, drive economic growth and make India a global logistics hub.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, the Indian logistics sector provides livelihood to more than 22 million people and improving the sector will facilitate 10 % decrease in indirect logistics cost leading to the growth of 5 to 8% in exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Modal Transportation of Goods Bill, 2019</strong> aims at facilitating the movement of goods for exports, imports and domestic trade. It will help to fix accountability and liabilities for violation of its provisions.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Multimodal transportation includes a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end deliveries of goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Skilling for Logistics Sector:</strong> 34 Qualification Packs (QPs) for skill development of manpower engaged in Logistics Sector have been developed and finalised in collaboration with Logistics Skill Council. This is the first time that such qualification packs have been developed.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Qualification Packs (QPs):</strong> These are occupational standards that describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function.</li>
<li>They are performance standards that individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agriculture-export-policy-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Export Policy</strong></a>: The Agriculture Export Policy has been approved to establish linkage between Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) and the exporters, a portal has been created by Agricultural &amp; Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>APEDA is a non-trading, <strong>statutory body</strong> established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985.</li>
<li>APEDA has marked its presence in almost all agro potential states of India and has been providing services to the agri-export community through its head office in New Delhi, five Regional offices and 13 Virtual offices.</li>
<li>In 2017, APEDA launched a mobile app- &ldquo;Farmer Connect&rdquo; to allow farmers to apply online to facilitate their farm registration, tracking the status of application &amp; approvals by State Government and Lab sampling by authorized Laboratories.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS):</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steel-import-monitoring-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SIMS</strong></a> will facilitate the Steel Industry by providing advance information about steel imports to all stakeholders including Government, steel industry and steel importers for effective policy interventions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Importers of specified steel products will register in advance on the web portal of SIMS providing necessary information. The registration will be online and automatic and no human intervention is required.</li>
<li>This was launched in the background of <strong>India becoming a favourite dumping ground</strong> for steelmakers from not just China but also from Japan and South Korea, which threatened the domestic steel industry of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade Facilitation Measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA):</strong> It will enable trade promotion between the two countries.</li>
<li><strong>Border Haats:</strong> Besides the four operational Border Haats across India-Bangladesh border in Tripura and Meghalaya, construction of three Border Haats in Meghalaya, out of six already identified locations (two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya) has been completed. It will Improve trade with Bangladesh.-</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Merger of Council of Trade and Development and Board of Trade:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This common platform, consisting of representatives from industry, export promotion councils, Government of India and State Governments and representatives from Banking and Finance Sector is playing a critical role in addressing export related concerns, with a focus on addressing these on a priority basis.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new board would provide a platform to states and union territories for articulating their perspectives on trade policy and help states to develop and pursue export strategies in line with the national foreign trade policy.</li>
<li>Besides, the forum would advise the government on policy measures for preparation and implementation of short and long term plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2019:</strong> This will enable any entity to set up a unit in the Special Economic Zone (SEZs), including Trusts. This will help boost investments and create new export and job opportunities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Better facilities for employees:</strong> SEZ units allowed to create facilities/amenities like cr&egrave;che, gymnasium, cafeteria for their exclusive use as a measure towards ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Foreign Direct Investment:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>100% FDI has been allowed under the automatic route for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure.</li>
<li>100% FDI under automatic route has also been allowed in contract manufacturing. Providing more flexibility and ease of operations to <strong>Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT)</strong> entities.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All procurements made from India shall be counted towards local sourcing, whether goods are sold in India or exported. Online retail trading permitted up to two years prior to opening brick and mortar stores.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Institute of Design (Amendment) Act, 2019:</strong> It conferred <a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-august-2019#30" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Institute of National Importance status</strong></a> to the four new National Institute of Design (NIDs). The four new NIDs at Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Haryana to be declared as Institutions of National Importance on the lines of NID, Ahmedabad.</li>
<li><strong>National Traders' Welfare Board:</strong> It is an institutional mechanism that will identify measures for the welfare of traders and their employees, improve their access to funds and recommend <strong>social security benefits</strong> for them including insurance and pension.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Traders&rsquo; Welfare Board, constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, will be headed by a non-official chairperson and its 15 members will be nominated by the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s stand on mega-regional economic agreement:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to ensure interests of the Indian industry and farmers in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), India successfully laid out its stand in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> India&rsquo;s key concerns were not addressed.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India took a strong stance to protect the interest of domestic producers. This decision will help vulnerable sectors including farmers and the dairy sector as well as small manufacturers, who would have been threatened by RCEP rules.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also secured agreement for review of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN FTA (ASEAN-India Free Trade Area-AIFTA)</strong></a> after repeated follow up. This will help in removing rules that affect Indian producers and exporters and will also promote Indian exports and Make in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-commerce-industry'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'International Tea Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>first International Tea Day</strong> was observed on 21<sup>st</sup> May after it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UN General Assembly called on the <strong>Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO is an agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>)</strong> to lead the observance of the day.</li>
<li>May 21 was chosen because the <strong>season of tea production begins in May</strong> in most of the tea producing countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tea is a beverage made from the<strong> Camellia sinesis plant.</strong> It is the world&rsquo;s most consumed drink, after water.</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> It is believed that tea originated in <strong>northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China,</strong> but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago.</li>
<li><strong>Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tea production and processing</strong> constitutes a main source of livelihoods and subsistence for millions in developing and least developed countries.</li>
<li>It is a labour-intensive sector, providing jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.</li>
<li>Tea can play a <strong>significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security</strong> in developing countries, being one of the most important <strong>cash crops.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Development:</strong> Tea production and processing contributes towards various <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sustainable development goals</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduction of extreme poverty (Goal 1).</li>
<li>Fight against hunger (Goal 2).</li>
<li>Empowerment of women (Goal 5).</li>
<li>Sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Goal 15).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plantation condition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tea is a<strong> tropical</strong> and <strong>sub-tropical plant</strong> and grows well in moderately hot and humid climates.</li>
<li>The ideal temperature for its growth is 20&deg;-30&deg;C and temperatures above 35&deg;C and below 10&deg;C are harmful for the bush.</li>
<li>It requires 150-300 cm annual rainfall which should be well distributed throughout the year.</li>
<li>The most suitable soil for tea cultivation is<strong> slightly acidic soil (without calcium)</strong> with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, with more floods and droughts, are already affecting yields, tea product quality and prices, lowering incomes and threatening rural livelihoods.</li>
<li>In parallel, there is a growing recognition of the need to contribute to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-land-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> mitigation, by reducing carbon emissions from tea production and processing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FAO has designated 4 tea cultivation sites in <strong>China, Korea</strong> and <strong>Japan</strong> as <strong>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pu&rsquo;er Traditional Tea Agrosystem (China)</li>
<li>Fuzhou Jasmine and Tea Culture System (China)</li>
<li>Traditional Tea-grass Integrated System (Japan)</li>
<li>Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem, Hwagae-myeon (Republic of Korea)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M8tSwibr5_w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) was started by the FAO to safeguard and support the <strong>world's agricultural heritage systems.</strong></li>
<li>GIAHS are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage.</li>
<li><strong>Three recognised GIAHS sites in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of <strong>Kerala.</strong></li>
<li>Koraput Traditional Agriculture of <strong>Odisha.</strong></li>
<li>Pampore Saffron Heritage of<strong> Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-tea-day'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Ecologically Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change interacted with Chief Ministers of six states through a video conference to discuss issues relating to notification of<strong> Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) pertaining to Western Ghats.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These six states include <strong>Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government had constituted a High Level Working Group under the <strong>Chairmanship of</strong> <strong>Dr. Kasturirangan to conserve and protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats</strong> while allowing for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.</li>
<li>The Committee had recommended that identified geographical areas falling in the six States of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu may be declared as <strong>Ecologically Sensitive Areas.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee recommended to bring just <strong>37% of the Western Ghats</strong> under the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zones &mdash; <strong>down from the 64%</strong> suggested by the <strong>Gadgil Committee report.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/green-tribunal-steps-in-to-conserve-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, also known as the Gadgil Committee</strong></a> was an environmental research commission appointed by the government in 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>draft notification</strong> related to the same was issued in <strong>2018</strong> mentioning the areas to be notified in the ESA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All the involved States recognised a <strong>need to protect the Western Ghats.</strong> However, the states expressed their concerns related to <strong>the allowed activities and extent of area</strong> mentioned in the draft notification.</li>
<li>Further, it has been also decided that <strong>state specific issues</strong> will be discussed and <strong>resolved through the consensus.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Eco-Sensitive Areas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs)are located within <strong>10 kms</strong> around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.</li>
<li>ESAs are notified by the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) </strong>under<strong> Environment Protection Act 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The basic aim is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A committee headed by ecologist Madhav Gadgil also known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) in 2011 recommended that all of the Western Ghats be declared as the Ecological Sensitive Areas (ESA) with <strong>only limited development allowed in graded zones.</strong></li>
<li>The panel had classified the Western Ghats into <strong>Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) 1, 2 and 3 of which ESA-1 is high priority,</strong> almost all developmental activities (mining, thermal power plants etc) were restricted in it.</li>
<li>It specified that the system of governance of the environment should be a <strong>bottom to top approach (right from Gram sabhas)</strong> rather than a top to bottom approach.</li>
<li>It also recommended the constitution of a <strong>Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA),</strong> as a statutory authority under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
<li>The report was criticized for being <strong>more environment-friendly</strong> and not in tune with the ground realities.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Kasturirangan Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Kasturirangan Commission sought to <strong>balance the development and environment</strong> protection in contrast to the system proposed by the Gadgil report.The committees major recommendations were:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of the total area of Western Ghats, <strong>only 37%</strong> of the total area to be brought under ESA.</li>
<li>Complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in ESA.</li>
<li>No thermal power projects to be allowed and hydropower projects be allowed only after detailed study.</li>
<li>Red industries i.e. which are highly polluting to be strictly banned.</li>
<li>The report recommended exclusion of inhabited regions and plantations from the purview of ESAs making it a pro farmer approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>Development vs Conservation debate. Hence,</strong> a proper analysis based on scientific study followed by consensus among various stakeholders by addressing respective concerns is required urgently.</li>
<li>Holistic view of threats and demands on the forest land, products and services, devising strategies to address these with clearly stated objectives for the authorities involved must be taken.</li>
<li>Any further delay in the implementation will only accentuate degrading of the most prized natural resource of the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625885" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The International Day for Biological Diversity is<strong> observed on 22<sup>nd</sup> May</strong> every year to increase <strong>understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.</strong></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590136096_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590136096_image1.png" width="554" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" height="191" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The theme for the year 2020 is<strong> &ldquo;Our solutions are in nature&rdquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theme highlights that Biodiversity remains the answer to a number of sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, to food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity remains the basis for a sustainable future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The year 2020 is a reflection, opportunity and solutions for biodiversity issues. The year will witness: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The final period for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2011-2020 Strategic Plan on Biodiversity</strong></a> and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.</li>
<li>The end of the<strong> 2011-2020 United Nations Decade on Biodiversity,</strong> and start of other new pivotal biodiversity related decades for the period 2021-2030: the <strong>UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development</strong> and the <strong>UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> UN Biodiversity Summit</strong> (15<sup>th</sup> Conference of the Parties: COP-15) which will highlight the urgency of actions in support of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework that contributes to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</strong></a> and places the global community on a path towards realizing the <strong>2050 Vision for Biodiversity.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sustainable Goal 15</strong> aims to &ldquo;Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> March: <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-water-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Water Day</a></strong></li>
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> April: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Earth Day</strong></a></li>
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> May :<strong> World Biodiversity Day</strong></li>
<li>Recently the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-hour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Earth Hour</strong></a> was observed on 28<sup>th</sup> March, 2020. It encourages people to switch off the lights from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm as per their local time.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-for-biological-diversity'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Odisha Promotes Contract Farming',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Odisha government has promulgated an ordinance allowing investors and farmers to enter into an agreement for <strong>contract farming.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contract farming has been allowed in view of the continuing <strong>uncertainties</strong> due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ordinance aims to facilitate both farmers and sponsors to develop<strong> mutually beneficial and efficient</strong> contract farming systems.</li>
<li>It is also expected to improve the production and marketing of agricultural produce and livestock while promoting farmers&rsquo; interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participants in the Contract Farming Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement will be entered into between the contract farming sponsor (the one who offers to participate in any component) or entire value chain including pre production, and the contract farming producer (i.e. farmers who agree to produce the crop or rear the livestock).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Involved Loans and Advances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The loans and advances given by the sponsor to the producer can be recovered from the sale proceeds of the produce.</li>
<li>It cannot be realised by way of sale or mortgage or lease of the land in respect of which the agreement has been entered into.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No transfer of Land Rights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also states that notwithstanding anything contained in the agreement, no title, rights, ownership or possession of land or premises or other such property will be transferred or alienated or vest in the sponsor or its successor or its agent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contract Farming and Services Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also mentions the constitution of a <strong>&ldquo;Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Committee&rdquo;</strong> to review the performance of the contract farming and to make suggestions to the government for its promotion and efficient performance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Contract Farming</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contract farming signifies an agricultural production (including livestock and poultry) based on a <strong>pre-harvest agreement</strong> between buyers (such as food processing units and exporters), and producers (farmers or farmer organisations).</li>
<li>The producer can sell the agricultural produce at a specific price in the future to the buyer as per the agreement.</li>
<li>Under contract farming, the <strong>producer</strong> can <strong>reduce the risk</strong> of fluctuating <strong>market price and demand.</strong> The <strong>buyer</strong> can reduce the<strong> risk of non-availability of quality produce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, contract farming is regulated under the<strong> Indian Contract Act, 1872.</strong></li>
<li>In addition, the Model APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Act, 2003 provides specific provisions for contract farming, like compulsory registration of contract farming sponsors and dispute settlement.</li>
<li>Since<strong> agriculture is a state list</strong> subject, therefore contract farming is <strong>not uniform.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong> </a>observed that market fees and other levies are paid to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APMC</strong></a> for contract framing when no services such as market facilities and infrastructure are rendered by them.</li>
<li>Thus, it has been recommended that contract farming should be out of the ambit of APMCs. Instead, an <strong>independent regulatory authority</strong> must be brought in to disengage contract farming stakeholders from the existing APMCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture came out with a<strong> draft Model Contract Farming Act, 2018.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The draft Model Act seeks to create a regulatory and policy framework for contract farming. Based on this draft Model Act, legislatures of states can enact a law on contract farming.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contract farming addresses the problem of <strong>low investment</strong> in agriculture and ensures a supply of quality inputs, technical guidance and management support for farmers.</li>
<li>It provides an <strong>assured market and a pre-agreed sale price for produce,</strong> makes it easier for farmers to<strong> access cheaper institutional credit.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contract farming seeks to provide alternative marketing channels and better price realisation to farmers. It has been observed that if the market price rises higher than the contracted price, the farmers are tempted to sell the produce to someone else for a higher price. On the other hand, if market prices were to fall below the contracted rate, the buyer often fails to honour the commitment.</li>
<li>It is also necessary to remember that for <strong>growers agriculture is a livelihood issue</strong> and for <strong>processors and aggregators it is business.</strong> Hence the Government should play the <strong>role of a facilitator</strong> to promote as well as to develop a healthy system of <strong>farmer-corporate relationship for mutual benefit and development of the agriculture sector in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covid-19-impact-odisha-promotes-contract-farming-system/article31644389.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/odisha-promotes-contract-farming'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Self Reliance in Defence Manufacturing',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/grasping-the-defence-self-reliance-nettle/article31635965.ece?homepage=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle&rdquo;</strong></a> from The Hindu published on 21/05/20. It talks about the challenges and the way forward for Defence manufacturing in India.</p>
</div>
<p>The superpower ambition, growing complexity of security challenges in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood and economic power (India poised to become a $5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025), to safeguard these interests, India requires strong defence capabilities.</p>
<p>In pursuit of this, for most of the past decade, India has been one of the world&rsquo;s largest arms importers (accounting for about 12% of global arms imports). However, with 60-70% import-dependence for weapons, spares and ammunition create vulnerabilities during military crises.</p>
<p>In order to promote self-reliance in defence production, the government has announced several measures under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan</strong></a>. Though these steps are in the right direction, there are long-overdue reforms to make India truly self-reliant in defence manufacturing.</p>
<h3>Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Too Much Delay:</strong> In the past five years, the Indian government has approved over 200 defence acquisition proposals with the transfer of technology provision, valued around Rs 4 trillion, but most are still in relatively early stages of processing.</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Driven:</strong> India has four companies (Indian ordnance factories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)) among the top 100 biggest arms producers of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All four of these companies are public sector enterprises and account for the bulk of the domestic armament demand.</li>
<li>Governments usually have tended to privilege Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) over the private sector, despite &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Critical Technologies:</strong> Poor design capability in critical technologies, inadequate investment in R&amp;D and inability to manufacture major subsystems and components hamper the indigenous manufacturing. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The relationship between the R&amp;D establishment, production agencies (public or private) and the end-user are extremely weak.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Long Gestation Period:</strong> The creation of a manufacturing base is capital and technology-intensive and has a long gestation period. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For a factory to reach optimum levels of capacity utilisation, it could take anywhere between five to 10 to even 15 years and by the time a unit commences production, any of the following developments can take place:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There could be changes in the threat assessment/ strategy involving a complete change in priorities. For instance, buying a new advanced radar system may acquire a higher priority instead of adding more tanks or armoured vehicles.</li>
<li>Newer technologies could make products outdated unable to match with what the enemy may have acquired.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Manufacturing Environment:</strong> Also, issues related to stringent labour laws, compliance burden and lack of skills, affects the development of indigenous manufacturing in defence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to this, India hasn&rsquo;t been able to attract FDI in defence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Coordination:</strong> Overlapping jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Industrial Promotion impair India's capability of defence manufacturing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Newly Appointed CDS:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chief-of-defence-staff-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)</strong></a> could examine the defence acquisitions from a tri-service angle, this may avoid delays and speed up the defence procurement process.</li>
<li><strong>Mandatory Transfer of Technology for Subsystems:</strong> It is imperative that when India imports any weapon systems, there should be a plan for the ammunition and spares to be eventually manufactured in India so that we are not driven to seek urgent replenishments from abroad during crises. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The same goes for repair, maintenance and overhaul facilities for the upgrading of the weapons platforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Modernising Ordnance Factories Board:</strong> Over the decades, ordnance factories have been the backbone of indigenous supplies to India&rsquo;s armed forces, from weapons systems to spares, ammunition and auxiliaries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their structure, work culture and the product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overhauling of Existing Regulations and Practices:</strong> A long-term integrated perspective plan of the requirements of the armed forces should give the industry a clear picture of future requirements. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The next Defence Procurement Procedure</strong> should incorporate guidelines to promote forward-looking strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign companies, with a view to achieving indigenisation over a period of time for even sophisticated platforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Defence Exports:</strong> Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable when the door to defence exports is promoted with a transparent policy.</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Conflict of Interest:</strong> The role of<strong> Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong> as the government&rsquo;s sole adviser, developer and evaluator of technologies creates a conflict of interest for entry of private players.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the role of DRDO should be revised, in order to give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Sector Reforms Under Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revision of FDI Limit:</strong> The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is raised from 49% to 74%.</li>
<li><strong>Project Management Unit (PMU):</strong> The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (for contract management purposes).</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Defence Import Bill:</strong> The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from the domestic market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Separate budget provision</strong> for domestic capital procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board:</strong> It will include a public listing of some units, ensuring a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end-user.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority. The attainment of this will ensure strategic independence, cost-effective defence equipment and may lead to saving on defence import bill, which can subsequently finance the physical and social infrastructure.</p>
<p><a href="/admin/articles/edit/&lt;iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https:/www.youtube.com/embed/eZuoNjQZdj0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590125626_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="564" height="695" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #eaf7e9;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority.&rdquo; Analyse the statement in the context of defence manufacturing in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eZuoNjQZdj0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/grasping-the-defence-self-reliance-nettle/article31635965.ece?homepage=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle&rdquo;</a></strong> from The Hindu published on May 21st, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/self-reliance-in-defence-manufacturing'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Banks Seek Another Moratorium',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The banking sector is pushing for a moratorium on loan repayments by another <strong>three months to 31<sup>st</sup> August,</strong> easing of <strong>bad loan (Non-Performing Assets) recognition norms</strong> from 90 days to 180 days and <strong>one-time restructuring of loans</strong> as relief measures to tackle the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a> and the slowdown in the economy due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These demands were raised at the recent meetings of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) top officials with the chiefs of banks and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies</strong></a> (NBFCs).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On 27<sup>th</sup> March, 2020, the RBI announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>three-month moratorium</strong></a> (1<sup>st</sup> March to 31<sup>st</sup> May) on loan and <strong>card repayments</strong> and <strong>slashed its main policy rate, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/repo-rate-unchanged" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Repo rate</a></strong> by 75 basis points and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-keeps-policy-rates-unchanged" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cash Reserve Ratio</strong></a> (CRR) of banks by 100 basis points to stabilize the financial markets and reduce the pain on borrowers.</li>
<li>The RBI had stipulated banks should create a <strong>10% provisioning on all loans</strong> that are overdue but not yet a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-performing asset</strong></a> (NPA) and where moratorium has been approved.</li>
<li>While the provisioning could be adjusted against the provisioning for slippages into NPAs during fiscal 2021, it becomes important to see how the <strong>banking sector manages asset quality</strong> in the near term post the moratorium period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Moratorium Provision :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>retail</strong> segment, higher instances of moratorium utilisation were observed in <strong>agri loans, micro-credit, commercial vehicle loans and other unsecured retail products like credit cards.</strong></li>
<li>Several<strong> borrowers</strong> opting for moratorium had sufficient account balances indicating that borrowers want to be more liquid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons Behind Demands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Extension of moratorium is <strong>required</strong> as <strong>factories are unlikely to start production</strong> in May due to curbs in many important industrial belts, supply chains remain broken and job losses have increased.</li>
<li>It will imply companies<strong> need not pay till 31<sup>st</sup> August,</strong> and it also implies almost minimal possibility of companies being able to pay their interest liabilities then in September,<strong> failing which the account might be classified NPA</strong> as per existing norms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, loans in which the borrower fails to pay principal and/or interest charges within 90 days are classified as NPAs and provisioning is made accordingly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Banks want the NPA recognition limit to be raised to 180 days to limit the surge in NPAs.</li>
<li>Restructuring of loans will help in easing the interest burden on borrowers.</li>
<li>Also, bankers are not sure whether RBI will change its <strong>&lsquo;June 7 circular&rsquo;</strong> concept on stressed assets and restructuring.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>RBI&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbis-debt-resolution-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets</a> June 7 circular,</strong> mandates banks to recognize stress and initiate a review of default within 30 days. The June 7 circular is stringent and gives little flexibility to banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Negative Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Extension means a <strong>delay in payment and borrowers will have to shell out the installments and interest charges</strong> later.</li>
<li>Banks are already facing sluggish credit offtake and a spike in non-performing assets due to the lockdown and the contraction in the economy.</li>
<li>According to <strong>Crisil</strong> ratings, NPAs are set to rise by 150-200 basis points this fiscal (2020-21).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Banks and NBFCs have raised these demands as <strong>moratorium alone is not sufficient</strong> to come out of the crisis.</li>
<li>The RBI needs to give <strong>operational flexibility to banks</strong> for a<strong> comprehensive restructuring of the existing loans</strong> and also a reclassification of 90-day norm.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/as-lockdown-extends-banks-seek-another-3-month-moratorium-from-rbi-6420047/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/banks-seek-another-moratorium'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'India Resumes Purchase of Malaysian Palm Oil',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has <strong>resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after</strong> a gap of four-month following a diplomatic row between the two countries.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The former Prime Minister had criticised India's <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</strong></a> which was considered as an interference in the internal matter of India.</li>
<li>Subsequently, the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-trade-diplomacy-with-malaysia-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diplomatic row</strong></a> emerged between the two countries.</li>
<li>Following the incident, India <strong>imposed a ban on imports of palm oil</strong> from Malaysia.</li>
<li>The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between India and Malaysia after the formation of a new government in Malaysia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India's total palm oil imports from Malaysia for the first four months of 2020<strong> fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India's Palm Oil import:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is the <strong>world&rsquo;s biggest buyer of edible oils.</strong></li>
<li>India buys<strong> more than two-thirds</strong> of its total edible oil imports as<strong> palm oil.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Malaysian Import over Indonesia:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Malaysia</strong> is the<strong> world's second</strong> largest producer of palm oil <strong>after Indonesia.</strong></li>
<li>Malaysia's palm oil inventories <strong>production has surged</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coronavirus lockdowns</strong></a> led to a slump in demand.</li>
<li>Thus, Malaysian palm oil is available at a <strong>discount price</strong> compared to supplies from Indonesia. On the other hand, Indonesia has also raised its <strong>palm oil export levy.</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, Malaysia has also signed a deal to <strong>buy 100,000 tonnes of Indian rice.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India-Malaysia Relation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India established diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Relation:</strong> India and Malaysia have signed <strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).</strong> CECA is a kind of<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/a-note-on-free-trade-agreements-and-their-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Free Trade Agreement (FTA)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investments with the 10-member <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-summit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Malaysia is the third largest trading partner in ASEAN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bilateral trade between India and Malaysia is significantly biased in favour of Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence &amp; Security Cooperation:</strong> Joint military exercises <strong>&ldquo;Harimau Shakti&rdquo;</strong> are held annually between the two countries.</li>
<li><strong>Traditional medicine:</strong> India and Malaysia have signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine in October 2010. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government of Malaysia has been working to popularize <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) systems</a> in Malaysia.</li>
<li>AYUSH systems are practiced in Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590060002_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590060002_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-resumes-purchases-of-malaysian-palm-oil-traders/articleshow/75821854.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: ET</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-resumes-purchase-of-malaysian-palm-oil'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Preventive Methods for Alzheimers',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers at the <strong>Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati</strong> (IIT-G) have found methods for preventing the accumulation of <strong>neurotoxic molecules</strong> in the brain, which leads to<strong> Alzheimer&rsquo;s</strong> disease.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cause of Alzheimer&rsquo;s is the <strong>accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides</strong> (neurotoxic molecules) in the brain.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Peptide</strong> is similar to the plaque that blocks arteries and affects blood supply, leading to cardiovascular diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Peptide aggregation/accumulation</strong> means their formation of one over the other, <strong>deforming the cortex of the brain</strong> which leads to Alzheimer&rsquo;s.</li>
<li>The peptide molecules need to have a <strong>certain structure to aggregate.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preventive Methods:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Use of Trojan Peptides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this approach, the purpose is to design a <strong>deceitful peptide</strong> with <strong>&ldquo;negative syncretical points&rdquo;</strong> for checking the plaque formation.</li>
<li><strong>Trojan peptide</strong> (deceitful peptide) has the same structure as the peptide in the body but its <strong>function is contrary to aggregation.</strong></li>
<li>It adopts a similar <strong>approach of deceit</strong> to impede the aggregation of the amyloid peptide, and reduce poisoning of nerve cells that leads to memory loss.</li>
<li>The degeneration of poisoned cells can be delayed by intravenous injection of the trojan peptide, which in turn, can delay the onset of disease by 10 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of a low-voltage electric field:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The electric field can <strong>prevent amyloid plaques from aggregating.</strong></li>
<li>The use of an external electric or magnetic field <strong>modulates peptide molecules</strong> to pull back the possibility of Alzheimer&rsquo;s to a certain extent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Discoveries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>July 2019,</strong> an Indian-American scientist at the <strong>University of New Mexico</strong> developed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vaccine-for-alzheimers-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>early version vaccine</strong></a> for Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vaccine intervention could <strong>rescue memory impairments and prevent neurons from dying</strong> by reducing tau tangles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2019, China</strong> approved the <strong>world&rsquo;s first multi-targeting</strong> and <strong>carbohydrate-based</strong> drug <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-s-first-drug-for-alzheimer-s-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GV-971</strong></a> for Alzheimer&rsquo;s.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>neurological disorder</strong> which causes brain cells to <strong>degenerate and die.</strong> This leads to loss of memory, problems with words in speaking or writing, poor judgment, changes in mood and personality, confusion with time or place, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the <strong>first stage,</strong> these symptoms are <strong>mild</strong> but they become <strong>more severe with time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is the <strong>most common cause of dementia</strong> among older adults.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Dementia</strong> is a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is caused by the <strong>build-up of proteins</strong> known as <strong>tau tangles or plaques</strong> within the brain and is also known as the <strong>third type of diabetes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tau</strong> is a protein that when it occurs in tangled formations in the brain of Alzheimer patients, disrupts the ability of neurons to communicate with one another in the brain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is an<strong> incurable disease,</strong> as the death of brain cells cannot be reversed.</li>
<li><strong>Women have a higher risk</strong> of having Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease than men.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Around 100 potential drugs</strong> for the treatment of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease<strong> failed</strong> between 1998 and 2011 and now these developments are a <strong>big step</strong> in the direction.</li>
<li>The cure is important for<strong> India</strong> because it<strong> stands at the third position after China and the USA</strong> in the number of Alzheimer&rsquo;s patients. Along with cure, India also needs to clearly define public health strategy with a significant focus on research into degenerative diseases and investment in the training of healthcare personnel.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/iit-guwahati-takes-trojan-horse-route-to-fight-alzheimers-disease/article31634337.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/preventive-methods-for-alzheimers'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Steps to Boost Ease of Doing Business',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India has decided to bring various amendments to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)</strong></a> and Companies Act, 2013 to enhance <strong>ease of doing business</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The amendments to these laws are a part of the government&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>economic stimulus</strong></a> package announced under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India was placed at<strong> 63<sup>rd</sup> position</strong> in the<strong> World Bank&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ease of doing business report, 2020</a></strong> out of 190 countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Changes in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings has been <strong>raised to Rs.1 crore</strong> (from Rs.1 lakh, which largely insulates <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises-MSMEs</strong></a>).</li>
<li>Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the pandemic.</li>
<li>Empowering the Central Government to exclude Covid-19 related debt from the definition of &ldquo;default&rdquo; under the IBC for the purpose of triggering insolvency proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decriminalisation under Companies Act, 2013:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The move seeks to<strong> remove criminal penalties</strong> from all provisions of the Companies Act, except provisions dealing with fraudulent conduct.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decriminalised offences include administrative offences such as delays in filing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong> </a>reports, or failure to rectify the register of members in compliance with orders from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A number of offences under the Act previously classified as compoundable offences will not have imprisonment penalty now. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compoundable offences are those offences that have either imprisonment or fines as punishments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some of the <strong>offences under the Act have been omitted altogether</strong> while <strong>others have been shifted from the purview of the NCLT</strong> to an in-house adjudication mechanism. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the in-house adjudication mechanism the matter will be dealt by the Registrar of Companies (RoC).</li>
<li>The RoC is empowered to decide penalties for the offences under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other changes to raise funds for companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.</li>
<li>Private companies which just want to list <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Convertible Debentures</strong></a> (NCDs) on stock exchanges not to be regarded as listed companies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will bring additional sources of funding to companies who do not wish to comply with the regulations applicable to listed companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rationale behind the Amendment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The decriminalisation efforts are to <strong>pull back on regulations introduced in 2014</strong> aimed at boosting corporate compliance.</li>
<li><strong>As compliance levels have improved,</strong> the government now felt a need to <strong>boost ease of doing business</strong> and therefore, it has started to relax criminal provisions.</li>
<li>These moves will bring great relief to companies as they can <strong>focus on business revival rather</strong> than worry about defaults and compliance.</li>
<li>These measures will prove to be <strong>instrumental in easing the financial situation</strong> of firms especially, MSMEs who have been one of the biggest victims of this pandemic crisis.</li>
<li>These amendments are admirable steps towards the three-pronged goal of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Reducing the burden on company courts,</li>
<li>Ensuring investor interests, and</li>
<li>Facilitating the ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This could well be the step towards showing intent to incentivize domestic and global investments, especially post Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The move will <strong>hamper the recovery proceedings of financial institutions</strong> and lead to an<strong> increase in the non-performing asset.</strong></li>
<li>Suspension of insolvency initiation for up to a year may protect promoters from losing control of their companies <strong>but will not prevent creditors from seeking recoveries through other means.</strong></li>
<li>Decriminalisation of provisions in Companies Act are unrelated to Covid-19 and had been announced before the lockdown as part of previously planned reforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-is-the-companies-act-being-changed-6419000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sources: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Health Related Schemes in Haryana',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Haryana government has launched <strong>&lsquo;H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>Hepatitis-B control programme.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India usually witnesses<strong> two peaks</strong> of H1N1 infection, one during<strong> January to March</strong> and another in<strong> post Monsoon</strong> between August and October.Thus, precautions through vaccination for H1N1 is considered to be a better solution.</li>
<li>The health workers are already facing the risk of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> while managing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, hence focussing on their <strong>health safety</strong> has become a top priority for the government.</li>
<li>In India, since 2016 about 85,000 persons are being infected by the H1N1virus and 4,900 deaths have occurred in the last few years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will vaccinate around 13,000 health workers across the state.</li>
<li>It includes a<strong> single dose vaccine</strong> and is <strong>effective</strong> for a period of <strong>one year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hepatitis-B Control Programme</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hepatitis-B control programme has been launched under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-to-give-free-antiviral-for-hepatitis-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Viral Hepatitis Control programme</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aims at both prevention and treatment of hepatitis which is among the leading causes of liver cancer, cirrhosis of liver and acute liver failure.</li>
<li>The programme is a part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Swine Flu</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Swine flu caused by the<strong> &ldquo;swine flu virus&rdquo;, </strong>the<strong> H1N1.</strong></li>
<li>Swine Flu is an infection of the<strong> respiratory tract</strong> characterized by the usual symptoms of flu &mdash; cough, nasal secretions, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and headache.</li>
<li>It is called swine flu because it was known in the past to occur in people who had been in the <strong>vicinity of pigs.</strong></li>
<li>The virus is transmitted by <strong>short-distance airborne transmission,</strong> particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct contact are other possible sources of transmission.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hepatitis B</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a viral infection that attacks the <strong>liver</strong> and can cause both acute and chronic disease.</li>
<li>The virus is most commonly transmitted from <strong>mother to child during birth</strong> and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.</li>
<li>It is the primary cause of <strong>liver cancer.</strong></li>
<li>Hepatitis B can be <strong>prevented by vaccines</strong> that are safe, available and effective.</li>
<li>Every year, <strong>World Hepatitis Day</strong> is celebrated on the <strong>28<sup>th</sup> of July.</strong></li>
<li>It is among the four diseases apart from <strong>HIV-AIDS, TB, Malaria</strong> for which, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorses disease-specific global awareness days.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-combat-h1n1-haryana-launches-statewide-vaccination-programme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/health-related-schemes-in-haryana'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Coir Geo Textile',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA)</strong> has announced that <strong>coir geo textiles</strong> will be used for construction of rural roads under the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This would give a<strong> boost to the Coir industry</strong> hit due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic.</li>
<li>NRIDA is an agency under the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geo Textiles</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are<strong> synthetic</strong> including polyester and polypropylene or <strong>man-made materials</strong> that have varying degrees of <strong>permeability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Permeability means their surfaces have very small openings that allow liquid or gases to pass through.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Characteristics of Geo Textile Fabrics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.</li>
<li>It drains areas where water pools while keeping soil in place.</li>
<li>It serves as effective filters, catching some materials to prevent drains from clogging.</li>
<li>It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.</li>
<li>It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These functions make Geo Textile fabrics useful in many<strong> industries, especially construction and civil engineering.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coir Geo Textile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coir is a 100% natural fiber, obtained from a <strong>renewable source &ndash; the coconut husk.</strong></li>
<li>Coir Geo Textile is naturally <strong>resistant to rot, molds and moisture,</strong> and free from any microbial attack hence it needs no chemical treatment.</li>
<li>It has a<strong> permeable, natural and strong fabric</strong> with high durability.</li>
<li>It protects the land surface and promotes quick vegetation.</li>
<li>It is <strong>totally biodegradable,</strong> and helps in soil stabilisation.</li>
<li>It can dissipate the energy of flowing water and absorb the excess solar radiation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PMGSY New Technology Guidelines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new guidelines encourage <strong>locally available materials</strong> and use of <strong>green technologies for construction of roads</strong> under<strong> Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).</strong></li>
<li>The State Governments are required to propose a <strong>minimum 15%</strong> of total length of annual road proposals under <strong>new technologies such as</strong> cement stabilization, Lime stabilization, cold mix, waste plastics, cell filled concrete, paneled cement concrete pavement, fly ash etc.</li>
<li>Out of this, <strong>5% roads</strong> are to be constructed using <strong>Indian Road Congress (IRC) accredited technology.</strong> The IRC has now accredited coir Geo textiles for construction of rural roads.</li>
<li>Thus, <strong>5% length of the rural roads under PMGSY-III will be constructed using coir geo textiles.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1674 km road</strong> will be constructed using<strong> Coir Geo textiles in 07 states i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamilanadu </strong>and in<strong> Telangana.</strong></li>
<li>There will be a requirement of<strong> One Crore Sq. mtrs of coir geo textiles,</strong> estimated cost of which would come to <strong>Rs.70 Crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Road Congress</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the <strong>apex body of Highway Engineers</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>It was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the <strong>Indian Road Development Committee</strong> also known as <strong>Jayakar Committee</strong> (under the Chairmanship of Shri M.R. Jayakar) with the objective of road development in India.</li>
<li>It works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</li>
<li>It is committed to utilise global best practices and promote the <strong>use of cutting edge technologies</strong> for construction for the maintenance of roads, bridges and road transportation.</li>
<li>It promotes <strong>environmental strategy for promotion of cleaner, less energy intensive and less polluting construction techniques</strong> and use of recycled wastes.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Road Congress (IRC) accredited technology:</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Committee for Accreditation of New Materials and Techniques</strong> formed under the aegis of<strong> Highway Research Board of Indian Roads Congress</strong> gives accreditations to patented or new materials, techniques developed in India and abroad and evaluated as per recognized National/ International Specifications.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana - III</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Phase III of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was <strong>launched in 2019.</strong></li>
<li>The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was<strong> launched to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency</strong> works to implement the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana across states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Rural Development along with state governments is responsible for the implementation of PMGSY.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to <strong>consolidate 1,25,000 Km</strong> road length in the States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It involves consolidation through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to <strong>Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>duration</strong> of the third phase is <strong>2019-20 to 2024-25.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> funds</strong> are shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh &amp; Uttarakhand for which it is 90:10.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625286" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coir-geo-textile'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Solarisation of Konark Sun Temple',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has launched <strong>a scheme for 100% solarisation of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/konark-temple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Konark sun temple</a> and Konark town in Odisha.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme will <strong>meet all energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To take forward the Prime Minister&rsquo;s vision to develop the historical Sun temple town of Konark in Odisha as <strong>&lsquo;Surya Nagri&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>To convey a message of synergy between the modern use of solar energy and the ancient Sun Temple and the importance of promoting solar energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plan:</strong> It envisages <strong>setting up of the 10-MW grid</strong> connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications such as solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks and off-grid solar power plants with battery storage.</li>
<li><strong>Funding:</strong> 100% <strong>Central Financial assistance (CFA)</strong> support of around Rs. 25 crore through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation Agency</strong>: Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Konark Temple<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590046028_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590046028_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Konark was built by<strong> King Narasimhadeva I</strong> of the<strong> Ganga Dynasty</strong> (1238-1264AD) in the <strong>13<sup>th</sup> century</strong> and is located in Eastern Odisha near the sacred city of <strong>Puri.</strong></li>
<li>The temple is designed in the shape of a <strong>colossal chariot.</strong> It is <strong>dedicated to the sun God.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are two rows of 12 wheels on each side of the Konark sun temple.</li>
<li>The seven horses are said to symbolize the seven days of the week.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The temple was used as a navigational point by European sailors. They referred to it as the<strong> &lsquo;Black Pagoda&rsquo;</strong> due to its dark colour and its magnetic power that drew ships into the shore and caused shipwrecks.</li>
<li>It is the culmination of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/temple-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha temple architecture</strong></a>.</li>
<li>It was declared a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO world heritage site</strong></a> in 1984.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625340" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solarisation-of-konark-sun-temple'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Challenges',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/aatmanirbhar-gdp-lockdown-coronavirus-economy-liquidity-migrant-labourers-disparity-narendra-modi-6414740/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan lays strong foundations for raising our per capita GDP&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in the Indian Express on 18/05/2020. It talks about several challenges pertaining to Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the government announced an economic stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crore and big-bang systemic reforms under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (self-reliant India).</p>
<p>The intended objective of this plan is two-fold. First, interim measures such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers for the poor will work as shock absorbers for those in acute stress.</p>
<p>The second, long-term reforms in growth-critical sectors to make them globally competitive and attractive.</p>
<p>Together, these steps may revive the economic activity, impacted by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and create new opportunities for growth in sectors like agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), power, coal and mining, defence and aviation,etc.</p>
<p>However, there are several challenges that are needed to be addressed in order to fulfill the vision of this plan.</p>
<h3>Impact of this Stimulus Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Primary Sector:</strong> The measures (<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agricultural-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reforms to amend ECA, APMC, Contract framing, etc</a></strong>) announced for the agricultural and allied sectors are particularly transformative. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These reforms are steps towards the <strong>One Nation One Market</strong> objective and help India become the <strong>food factory of the world.</strong></li>
<li>These would finally help in achieving the goal of a self-sustainable rural economy.</li>
<li>Also, the MGNREGA infusion of Rs 40,000 crore may help in alleviating the distress of migrants when they return to their villages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Secondary Sector:</strong> Given the importance of MSMEs for Indian economy, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-msmes-in-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free loan facility for MSMEs</strong></a> under the package will help this finance-starved sector and thereby provide a kickstart to the dismal state of the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, as the MSME sector is the second largest employment generating sector in India, this step will help to sustain the labour intensive industries and thereby help in <strong>leveraging India&rsquo;s comparative advantage.</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, limiting imports of weapons and increasing the limit of foreign direct investment in defence from 49% to 74% will give a much-needed boost to the production in the Ordnance Factory Board, while reducing India&rsquo;s huge defence import bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tertiary Sector:</strong> The government has adopted a balanced approach in addressing concerns across sectors. For example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly launched <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-05-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM e-Vidya programme</strong></a> for multi-mode access to digital online education provides a uniform learning platform for the whole nation, which shall enable schools and universities to stream courses online without further loss of teaching hours.</li>
<li>Public expenditure on health will be increased by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Issues Related to Liquidity:</strong> The package of Rs 20 lakh crore comprises both fiscal and monetary measures, the latter being in the nature of credit guarantees and liquidity infusions into banks and other financial sector institutions rather than the economy per se.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of the package is liquidity measures that are supposed to be transmitted by RBI to Banks and Banks to Citizens. This transmission wouldn&rsquo;t be as smooth owing to inefficient transmission of monetary policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Demand:</strong> The lockdown has lowered aggregate demand, and a fiscal stimulus is needed. However, the package, by relying overwhelmingly on credit infusion to boost the economy, has failed to recognise that investment will pick up only when people across income segments have money to spend.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Backward and Forward Linkages:</strong> Unless the rest of the domestic economy is revived, the MSME sector may face a shortage of demand, and its production may soon sputter to a close.</li>
<li><strong>Burgeoning Fiscal Deficit:</strong> Government claims that the stimulus package is around 10% of India&rsquo;s GDP. However, financing it would be difficult as the government is worried about containing the fiscal deficit.</li>
<li><strong>Difficulty in Mobilising Finances:</strong> The government seeks a disinvestment to mobilise the finances for the plan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the majority of Indian industries are already a bit debt-laden to take up the stake in PSUs.</li>
<li>Further, it is difficult to borrow the foriegn markets, as rupee with respect to dollar is all time low.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enhancing Demand:</strong> The economic package for the country emerging out of the lockdown requires a stimulus enhancing demand across the economy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The best way for this is to spend on greenfiled infrastructure.</li>
<li>Infrastructure spending uniquely creates structures that raise productivity and extends spending power to the section of the population most affected by the lockdown, namely daily wage labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mobilising Finances:</strong> For financing of the stimulus package, India&rsquo;s foreign reserves stand at an all-time high which could be strategically used to finance its needs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rest may have to come from privatisation, taxation, loans and more international aid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Holistic Reforms:</strong> Any stimulus package will fail to reflect the trickle-down effect, until and unless it is backed by reforms in various sectors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, Atma nirbhar plan also encompasses the unfinished agenda of holistic reforms which may include reforms in Civil services, Education,Skill and Labour, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The economic crisis triggered by Covid-19 pandemic is much like the 1991 economic crisis, which was a harbinger of a paradigm shift via liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. The post-Covid-19 era may usher in unprecedented opportunities provided the implementation deficit is adequately addressed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590038126_image.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590038126_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Any financial stimulus package will fail to reflect the trickle-down effect unless it is backed by reforms in other sectors&rdquo;. Discuss the statement in context of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Zf0QKAcEZE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/afghanistan-ashraf-ghani-abdullah-taliban-peace-deal-6418096/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;One conflict less&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on May, 20<sup>th</sup> 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'India’s Afghan Policy and Taliban',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/getting-india-back-to-the-afghan-high-table/article31609810.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Getting India back to the Afghan high table&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 18/05/2020. It talks about the need to recalibrate India&rsquo;s Afghan policy, as the Taliban takes the central role in Afghanistan politics.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the United Nations Secretariat held a meeting of the <strong>&ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; group on regional efforts to support peace in Afghanistan.</strong> This group includes six neighbouring countries: China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; two global players the United States and Russia, and Afghanistan itself.</p>
<p>However, <strong>India has not been invited to this peace process.</strong> The reason given for keeping India out of this regional discussions is that India holds no &ldquo;boundary&rdquo; with Afghanistan. However, the &ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; grouping ignored India&rsquo;s stand that its territory borders Afghanistan (along Wakhan Corridor) and is currently under Pakistan&rsquo;s illegal occupation.</p>
<p>Despite all the development work taken up by India in Afghanistan over the past 18 years since the Taliban were ousted from Kabul in 2001, it finds itself on the margins of international diplomacy in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>In this context, there is a need for India to recalibrate its Afghan policy, in order to secure its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-interest-in-iran-afganistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic and economic interest</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Voice in the Afghan&rsquo;s Reconciliation Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the past, due to terror activities of the Taliban, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India has been very critical of the Taliban</strong></a> coming into power and shown resistance to publicly dealing with the Taliban.</li>
<li>Under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-taliban-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-Taliban peace deal</strong></a>, the Taliban will be in the centre of power in Afghanistan, as the US forces withdraw from Afghanistan.</li>
<li>In the present scenario, India has never announced its support for the U.S.-Taliban peace deal. Rather, India supports the Ashraf Ghani government and backs the idea of an <strong>Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled process.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, in order to provide legitimacy to recently held Afgan president elections, Ashraf Ghani entered into a power-sharing agreement with former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah.</li>
<li>This agreement will inevitably further weaken Ashraf Ghani and subsequently undermines Indian interest in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to these factors, India&rsquo;s voice in the reconciliation process has been limited.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Interest in Afghanistan</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic and Strategic Interest:</strong> Afghanistan is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich Central Asian republics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Afghanistan's main advantage is its geography, as anyone who is in power in Afghanistan controls the land routes connecting India with Central Asia (via Afghanistan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Developmental Projects:</strong> The massive reconstruction plans for the country to offer a lot of opportunities for Indian companies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Three major projects: the Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), along with India&rsquo;s assistance of more than $3 billion in projects, hundreds of small development projects (of schools, hospitals and water projects) have cemented India&rsquo;s position in Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security Interest:</strong> India has been the victim of state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistan supported terrorist group operating in the region (e,g. Haqqani network). Thus, India has two priorities in Afghanistan:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>to prevent Pakistan from setting up a friendly government in Afghanistan, and</li>
<li>to avoid the return of jihadi groups, like al Qaeda, which could strike in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Ahead</h3>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Dilemma</strong></p>
<p>Due to the Taliban&rsquo;s coming to power, India faces a dilemma, between:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Should India reconsider its current policy that a lasting political settlement in Afghanistan must come through an<strong> &ldquo;Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process''</strong> (considering that the elected Afghan Government is hardly in control of the peace process).</li>
<li>Should India, consider the option of entering into <strong>direct talks with the Taliban.</strong> But, If India does so, it would constitute a major departure from its consistent policy of dealing only with recognised governments.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dent in India&rsquo;s Goodwill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The building blocks of India's goodwill are assistance in infrastructure projects, health care, education, trade and food security, and also in the easy access to Afghani citizens to study, train and work in India.</li>
<li>Above all, it is India&rsquo;s example as a pluralistic, inclusive democracy, inspires many in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>However, there has been a dent in India&rsquo;s goodwill, due to recent events in India, especially the controversy over the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exclusion of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has been excluded from the Afghanistan peace process many times including the recent meeting (6+2+1 grouping).</li>
<li>This poses a challenge for India to secure its interest in deciding the fate of Afghanistan and its people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India must also pursue opportunities to fulfil its role in the peace efforts in Afghanistan, starting with efforts to bridge the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/afghanistan-s-power-sharing-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ghani-Abdullah divide</strong></a>, and bringing together other major leaders with whom India has built ties for decades.</li>
<li>India should take the diplomatic route to press for its inclusion in &ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; dialogue, to claim its legitimate role in the Afghan peace process.</li>
<li>India should leverage the United Nations&rsquo;s call for a pause in conflicts during the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Covid-19+and+lockdown+drishti+ias&amp;oq=covid+&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59l3j0j69i60l3.4987j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> to restart dialogue with Pakistan, which in turn is necessary for lasting peace in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>Also, India can learn from US-Taliban talks where two opposing parties came to the negotiating table for talks on Afghanistan&rsquo;s future. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For India, given its abiding interest in Afghanistan&rsquo;s success and traditional warmth for its people, making that leap should be a bit easier. Thus, India can consider the appointment of a special envoy and start Track II diplomacy with the Taliban.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In the current situation, it is essential for India to maintain its strong links with the Afghan government, build and support its traditional Afghan allies and open lines of communication with the Taliban.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589979416_IndiaAfghanistan.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589979416_IndiaAfghanistan.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f4e9;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>How a recent power-sharing agreement in Afghanistan will impact Indian interests in Afghanistan. Critically analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AasIzo2-04Y" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/central-governement-funds-states-aid-coronavirus-covid-19-6416283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;A Lending Hand&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published on The Indian Express on May, 19<sup>th</sup> 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Corporate Affairs',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)</strong> has taken several landmark initiatives in pursuance to the objective of providing greater &ldquo; Ease of Doing Business&rdquo; to all stakeholders.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It brings greater transparency in corporate structure and fosters better Corporate compliance so as to enhance the efficiency of the processes under <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-the-companies-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ease of Doing Business Ranking</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has improved its ranking on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank&rsquo;s &ldquo;Doing Business&rdquo; 2020 report</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the report, India has moved up 14 positions to 63<sup>rd</sup> position as compared to 77<sup>th</sup> position in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Insolvency Index:</strong> Ministry of Corporate Affairs has contributed towards insolvency resolution. As per the latest Report in the Resolving Insolvency Index, India&rsquo;s ranking jumped 56 places to 52 in 2019 from 108 in 2018. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recovery rate increased from 26.5% in 2018 to 71.6% in 2019 and time taken in recovery improved from 4.3 years in 2018 to 1.6 years in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ease of Doing Business Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was introduced in 2003 to provide an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on ten parameters affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
<li>The report measures the performance of countries across 10 different parameters namely-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Starting a Business,</li>
<li>Dealing with Construction permits,</li>
<li>Electricity availability,</li>
<li>Property registration,</li>
<li>Credit availability,</li>
<li>Protecting minority Investors,</li>
<li>Paying Taxes,</li>
<li>Trading across borders,</li>
<li>Contracts enforcement, and</li>
<li>Resolving Insolvency.</li>
<li>This time two more parameters were considered namely, employing workers and contracting with the government but these are not included in the score and rankings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-makes-doing-business-easier" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Steps Taken to Provide Ease of Doing Business</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Integrated Incorporation Form - <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/spice-web-form" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically</a></strong> (SPICe) introduced which extends 8 services (CIN, PAN, TIN, DIN, Name, EPFO, ESIC and GSTN) from three Ministries through a single form.</li>
<li><strong>RUN &ndash; Reserve Unique Name:</strong> It is a web service used for reserving a<strong> name</strong> for a new company or for changing its existing<strong> name.</strong> The web service helps verify whether the <strong>name</strong> chosen for the company is<strong> unique.</strong></li>
<li><strong>De-criminalization of technical &amp; procedural violations</strong> under Companies Act and reducing the burden on criminal courts &amp; NCLT by shifting 16 offences sections to monetary penalty regime vide Companies (Amendment ) Bill , 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Various exemptions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Revised De-Minimis exemption</strong> under Competition Act 2002 for speeding up Mergers &amp; Acquisitions of companies in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>'The De Minimis' exemption means an investment adviser is exempt from registration if they have 15 or fewer clients over a 12-month period with a physical address.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Exemptions from various provisions of Companies Act to Private companies, Government Companies, Charitable companies, Nidhis and IFSC (GIFT city) companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differential Voting Rights (DVRs):</strong> Provisions relating to issue of shares with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/policy-reforms-for-startups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DVRs</strong> </a>modified with the objective of enabling promoters of Indian companies to retain control of their companies in their pursuit for growth and creation of long-term value for shareholders, even as they raise equity capital from global investors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Promoters or founders of a start up, often lose control of the firm when they dilute their stakes to raise multiple rounds of funding. This issue can be resolved by Differential Voting Rights (DVRs).</li>
<li>A DVR share is like an ordinary equity share, but it does not follow the common rule of one share-one vote,</li>
<li>It enables promoters to retain control over the company even after many new investors come in, by allowing shares with superior voting rights or lower or fractional voting rights to public investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Debenture Redemption Reserve (DRR):</strong> Provisions relating to creation of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/debenture-redemption-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> DRR</strong></a> revised with the objective of deepening the bond market &amp; reducing the cost of capital by:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Removing the requirement for creation of a DRR of 25% of the value of outstanding debentures in respect of listed companies, NBFCs registered with RBI and for Housing Finance Companies registered with National Housing Bank (NHB) both for public issue as well as private placements;</li>
<li>Reduction in DRR for unlisted companies from the present level of 25% to 10% of the outstanding debentures.</li>
<li>The measure has been taken by the government with a view to <strong>reducing the cost of the capital</strong> raised by companies through issue of debentures and is expected to significantly deepen the bond market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Debenture Redemption Reserve</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Debenture redemption reserve (DRR) is a provision stating that any Indian corporation that issues debentures must create a debenture redemption service in an effort to protect investors from the possibility of a company defaulting.</li>
<li>This provision was added to the Indian Companies Act of 1956 through an amendment introduced in the year 2000.</li>
<li>This rule offers investors a measure of protection, because debentures are not backed by an asset, a lien, or any other form of collateral.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Debentures are debt instruments</strong> used to raise capital from the general public, usually backed by the integrity and the creditworthiness of the issuer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Independent Databank: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-bank-of-independent-directors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Independent Directors Databank</a></strong> is launched to provide an easy to access &amp; navigate platform for the registration of existing Independent Directors as well as individuals aspiring to become independent directors.</li>
<li><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-corporate-social-responsibility-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First National CSR Awards were distributed</strong></a> by the President.</li>
<li>The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" can be referred to as corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment and impact on social welfare.</li>
<li>In India, the concept of CSR is governed by clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.</li>
<li>India is the first country in the world to mandate CSR spending along with a framework to identify potential CSR activities.</li>
<li><strong>The CSR provisions within the Act is applicable to companies with an annual turnover of 1,000 crore and more, or a net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more.</strong></li>
<li>The Act <strong>encourages companies to spend 2% of their average net profit</strong> in the previous three years on CSR activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Parliament. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This amendment Bill provides for the timely conclusion of cases, greater flexibility for corporate restructuring for maximizing value of assets, protecting primacy of secured creditors and removing voting deadlock of homebuyers, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides a generic framework for insolvency and liquidation proceedings of Financial Service Providers (FSPs) other than banks.</li>
<li>The Rules essentially aim to serve as an interim mechanism to deal with any exigency pending introduction of a full-fledged enactment (Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill) to deal with financial resolution of Banks and other systemically important financial service providers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016</strong> was amended twice in 2018 to disqualify undesirable persons from regaining control of companies undergoing resolution and to balance the interests of various stakeholders in the Code, especially interests of home buyers and micro, small and medium enterprises, promoting resolution over liquidation of corporate debtor by lowering the voting threshold of committee of creditors and streamlining provisions relating to eligibility of resolution applicants.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-corporate-affairs'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'India to Chair WHO Executive Board',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has been elected to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a>&rsquo;s Executive Board. It will also be holding a <strong>Chairmanship</strong> of the Executive Board for the next <strong>one year (from May 2020- May 2021)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the chairmanship of the WHO Executive Board is being held by <strong>Japan.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The proposal to appoint India&rsquo;s nominee to the executive board was signed by the 194-nation at the <strong>73<sup>rd</sup> World Health Assembly</strong> between 18-19 May, 2020.</li>
<li>In 2019, WHO&rsquo;s South-East Asia group had unanimously decided that India would be elected to the executive board for a <strong>three-year-term</strong> beginning from May, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WHO Member States are grouped into <strong>6 WHO regions</strong> namely, African Region, Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Western Pacific Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been elected along with 10 other countries including Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<h3>WHO Executive Board</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> The Executive Board is composed of<strong> 34 individuals technically qualified in the field of health,</strong> each one designated by a member state elected to do so by the World Health Assembly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Member States are elected for <strong>three-year</strong> terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chairman:</strong> The chairman&rsquo;s post is held by rotation for one year among regional groups.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>not a full time assignment</strong> and the chairman is just required to chair the Executive Board&rsquo;s meetings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Meeting:</strong> The Board meets at least<strong> twice a year.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> The main functions of the Executive Board are to give effect to the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly, to advise it and generally to facilitate its work.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Health Assembly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Health Assembly is the <strong>decision-making body of WHO.</strong></li>
<li>It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.</li>
<li>The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to <strong>determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. </strong></li>
<li>The Health Assembly is <strong>held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/harsh-vardhan-set-to-be-who-executive-board-chairman-6418494/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-chair-who-executive-board'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Fall in Global Carbon Emissions',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Center for International Climate and Environmental Research</strong> (CICERO) has evaluated <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>&rsquo;s</strong> effect on <strong>carbon emissions.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has predicted that emissions will <strong>fall between 4.2 and 7.5%</strong> on last year, as <strong>against a rise of 1%</strong> which was earlier predicted for 2020 before the <a href="/https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who%20daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a> outbreak.</li>
<li>Earlier, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></a> (IEA) released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Energy Review: 2020</strong></a> with details on the effects of the pandemic on global energy demand and carbon emissions.</li>
<li>In <strong>India,</strong> the nationwide lockdown led to minimal air pollution and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-lockdown-improved-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> improved the air quality</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Carbon emissions were <strong>5% lower</strong> than during the same time in 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Decline</strong> was noticed in <strong>coal emissions</strong> (8%),<strong> oil emissions</strong> (4.5%) and <strong>natural gas emissions</strong> (2.3%) as well.</li>
<li>Emissions declined the most in regions which were<strong> impacted the highest by the disease.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, there was an 8% decline in emissions in <strong>China and Europe,</strong> and a 9% decline in the <strong>USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Countries in <strong>full <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a></strong> are seeing an <strong>average decline of 25%</strong> in energy demand per week, while in those with a<strong> partial lockdown,</strong> the fall in energy demand is about <strong>18% per week.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global energy demands have lowered due to the <strong>lockdowns</strong> and <strong>restricted road and air travel.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the first quarter of 2020, most <strong>carbon-intensive fuels saw the biggest fall</strong> in demand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It led to the <strong>decline in carbon emissions</strong> which was more than the fall in global energy demand.</li>
<li><strong>Commercial demand</strong> for energy has <strong>fallen</strong> as people are confined to their homes. However, <strong>domestic electricity demand</strong> has <strong>increased.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This temporary decline in carbon emissions will <strong>not slow down climate change</strong> as it is a <strong>cumulative problem</strong> and a drop from one single year will basically make no difference at all.</li>
<li><strong>A 5% drop is equivalent to 0.001 degree Celsius less warming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Center for International Climate and Environmental Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is <strong>Norway&rsquo;s</strong> foremost institute for <strong>interdisciplinary climate research.</strong></li>
<li>It has played an active role in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</strong></a> (IPCC), since 1992.</li>
<li>CICERO has a <strong>national role</strong> in promoting knowledge about climate change and is <strong>internationally recognised</strong> as a driving force for innovative climate communication.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous</strong> organisation which works to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1974,</strong> in the wake of the <strong>oil crisis of 1973</strong> after the <strong>OPEC cartel</strong> had shocked the world with a steep increase in oil prices.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in<strong> Paris, France.</strong></li>
<li>It releases the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-outlook-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Energy Outlook report</strong></a>, annually.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> became its <strong>associate member in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The reduced emissions are not something to celebrate as it is expected that <strong>emissions will soar once economies restart.</strong></li>
<li>The only way to<strong> sustain</strong> the reduced emissions is governments taking<strong> conscious decisions to change the sources of energy</strong> like moving towards renewable energy sources.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-carbon-emissions-6418117/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-global-carbon-emissions'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'United Nations Relief and Works Agency',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)</strong>, has applauded India&rsquo;s financial support to keep its basic services operating, under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India provided <strong>USD 2 million</strong> to the <strong>UNRWA</strong> in support of its core programmes and services, including education and health.</li>
<li>India had increased its annual contribution to the UNRWA from <strong>USD 1.25 million</strong> in 2016 to <strong>USD 5 million</strong> in 2019.</li>
<li>It pledged another USD 5 million for 2020 which opens its way to become a member of the agency&rsquo;s advisory commission.</li>
<li>It is also preparing medical supplies for the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Relief and Works Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a United Nations agency established by the <strong>General Assembly in 1949.</strong></li>
<li>It supports the <strong>relief</strong> and <strong>human development</strong> of <strong>Palestinian refugees</strong> across its five fields of operation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its services encompass <strong>education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in <strong>Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.</strong></li>
<li>It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support</li>
<li><strong>Palestine refugees</strong> are defined as persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine <strong>during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948,</strong> and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>17 agreements</strong> have been signed under an <strong>India-Palestine development partnership</strong> between the two sides in the fields of agriculture, health care, information technology, youth affairs, consular affairs, women empowerment and media.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India would provide an assistance of around<strong> USD 72 million</strong> through these agreements in <strong>projects</strong> like the<strong> post-2014 war reconstruction efforts in Gaza, construction of schools, setting up a centre of excellence for information and communication technologies at Al-Quds University</strong> and developing a<strong> satellite centre in Ramallah.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In March 2020, a delegation of<strong> United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP)</strong> visited india intended to engage India in the settling of the question of Palestine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has reiterated its stand and supported the Two-State solution for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine issue</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In June 2019, India voted in favour of a decision introduced by Israel in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong></a> that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li>In June 2018, India had voted in favour of Palestine on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA) resolution to investigate an indiscriminate force usage by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.</li>
<li>As a part of Link West Policy, India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship</strong> with Israel and Palestine in 2018 to treat both the<strong> countries mutually independent and exclusive.</strong></li>
<li>In December 2017, India had criticised the United States vote for recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the UNGA vote.</li>
<li>In 2014, India favoured <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNHRC&rsquo;s</strong></a> resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/un-agency-serving-palestine-refugees-hails-indias-contribution-6417331/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/united-nations-relief-and-works-agency'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Illicit Drug Supply and Covid-19: UNODC',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong> (UNODC) released a report on<strong> &lsquo;Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: Latest Developments and Challenges&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to this report, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a> and movement restrictions may lead to an initial <strong>statistical reduction in drug seizures,</strong> but <strong>without a real change in terms of supply.</strong></li>
<li>In other words, Covid-19 is unlikely to have any effect on illicit drug supply.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shifting of Priorities:</strong> Rearrangement of governments&rsquo; priorities and resources to tackle the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>could <strong>threaten the efforts to strengthen drug prevention and treatment</strong> programmes.</li>
<li><strong>No Direct Correlation: Not every fluctuation</strong> in terms of drug seizures, prices, drug-related arrests or deaths in the coming months <strong>would be a direct or indirect consequence</strong> of the outbreak.</li>
<li><strong>Quick and Flexible Response:</strong> Active organised crime groups have shown <strong>flexibility to respond</strong> to shortages of supplies and have <strong>raised risk levels</strong> on certain trafficking routes.</li>
<li><strong>Local Capacities:</strong> Main synthetic drug of concern in the region, <strong>Methamphetamine</strong> (also called <strong>meth</strong>), was manufactured, trafficked and consumed without the need for globalised supply chains.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indian Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reported a substantial increase in seizures of<strong> amphetamine-type stimulants</strong> (ATS), most of which are suspected to be meth.</li>
<li>The reasons behind the spike are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Growth in trafficking of meth from the <strong>Golden Triangle</strong> overland to Bangladesh, with some<strong> routes crossing India.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Golden Triangle</strong> represents the region coinciding with the<strong> rural mountains of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>Southeast Asia&rsquo;s main opium-producing</strong> region and one of the<strong> oldest narcotics supply routes to Europe and North America.</strong></li>
<li>Use of <strong>maritime trafficking routes</strong> from Myanmar along the Andaman Sea, some of which <strong>cross Indian territorial waters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is in the middle of two major illicit opium production regions in the world, the <strong>Golden Crescent in the west</strong> and the <strong>Golden Triangle in the east.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Golden Crescent</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This region of South Asia is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.</li>
<li>It comprises<strong> Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Easy Borders:</strong> The borders are porous and difficult to control in the lower Mekong region so cross-border movements in many places are not significantly hindered by Covid-19 measures.</li>
<li><strong>Evolving Ways of Trafficking:</strong> The methods of <strong>containerised trafficking, couriers</strong> and <strong>body-packing have reduced</strong> due to shutting down of borders and trade. However, dealers might <strong>come up with other ways</strong> limiting the impact of reduced trade.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Control:</strong> There is <strong>limited government control</strong> in the <strong>Golden Triangle,</strong> trafficking would continue at high volumes.</li>
<li><strong>Unaffected Supply:</strong> The supply of precursor chemicals is not likely to be disrupted because major organised crime groups<strong> source chemicals through direct diversion from industry</strong> and not diversion from illicit overseas trade channels.</li>
<li><strong>Lowest Price Level:</strong> The price of meth has dropped to the lowest level in a decade with the <strong>surge of supplies.</strong> This has in turn<strong> increased its affordability</strong> and, therefore, use.</li>
<li><strong>Increased Crime:</strong> Changed methods to access drugs and economic hardship might <strong>reduce the disposable income</strong> of some drug users, and <strong>result in increased crime.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Street dealing of drugs might be significantly impacted and altered due to movement restriction and social distancing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Additional Risks:</strong> Vulnerable populations of drug users may be exposed to additional risks as funding is re-prioritised, access to programmes and services becomes difficult and activities of treatment providers are hampered as they are dealing with the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in <strong>1997</strong> and was named UNODC in <strong>2002.</strong></li>
<li>It acts as the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention by combining the<strong> United Nations International Drug Control Program</strong> (UNDCP) and the <strong>Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division of the United Nations Office at Vienna.</strong></li>
<li>UNODC publishes the <strong>World Drug Report.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Additional <strong>efforts</strong> would be required at the <strong>national, regional, and international level</strong> to carefully <strong>analyse methods and trends</strong> to understand changes to drug markets in the wake of the pandemic.</li>
<li>Moreover,<strong> methods or procedures</strong> to deal with illicit drug supply, their usage<strong> must be institutionalised</strong> in order to ensure that fight against this menace is not compromised in face of a pandemic or any other crisis.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-no-covid-shadow-over-illicit-drug-supply-unodc/article31626250.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Commerce & Industry',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>World Bank&rsquo;s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has made a remarkable jump in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank&rsquo;s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020</strong></a>. It is ranked 63<sup>rd</sup> among 190 countries improving by 14 ranks from its rank of 77 in 2019.</li>
<li>The 2020 edition of the Report acknowledges India as one of the top 10 improvers, third time in a row, with an improvement of 67 ranks in 3 years. It is also the highest jump by any large country since 2011.</li>
<li>The World Bank will now include Kolkata and Bengaluru, besides Delhi and Mumbai, for preparing ease of doing business reports, in order to provide a holistic picture of the business environment of the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145118_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145118_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Essential Features of India's Performance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ranking improved basically on four parameters:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Starting a Business-</strong> India made starting a business easier by fully integrating multiple application forms into a general incorporation form,</li>
<li><strong>Dealing with Construction Permits-</strong> For example, building a warehouse cost around 4% of the warehouse value as compared to 5.7% in the previous year,</li>
<li><strong>Trading across Borders-</strong> with a single electronic platform- improved electronic submission methods for documents and upgrades to port infrastructure, import and export process became easier, and</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Insolvency-</strong> Recovery rate under resolving insolvency has improved significantly from 26.5% to 71.6%. Also, the time taken for resolving insolvency has also come down significantly from 4.3 years to 1.6 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Global Innovation Index (GII)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the past 4 years India&rsquo;s rank in the GII has improved from the 81<sup>st</sup> rank in 2015 to the present 52<sup>nd</sup> rank in GII 2019 report.</li>
<li>India became the first developing country to launch the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-innovation-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Innovation Index (GII)</strong> </a>in association with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institutions-international-world-intellectual-property-organisation-wipo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)</strong> </a>and <strong>Confederation of India (CII).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s rankings have been consistently increasing over the last few years and are among the top in the world in innovation drivers such as <strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT), services exports, graduates in science and engineering, the quality of universities, gross capital formation</strong> (a measure of economy-wide investments) and <strong>creative goods exports.</strong></li>
<li>India stands out in the <strong>world&rsquo;s top science and technology clusters,</strong> with <strong>Bengaluru, Mumbai,</strong> and <strong>New Delhi</strong> featuring among the top 100 global clusters.</li>
<li>India continues to be the <strong>most innovative economy</strong> in central and southern Asia (a distinction held since 2011).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145147_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590145147_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Performance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Switzerland tops the GII index followed by Sweden, United States of America, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Germany and Israel.</li>
<li>The theme of <strong>GII- 2019 (12<sup>th</sup> edition)</strong> is<strong> &ldquo;Creating Healthy Lives - The Future of Medical Innovation&rdquo;</strong> which aims to explore the role of medical innovation as it shapes the future of healthcare.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Steps Taken for Export Promotion</h3>
<p>In order to promote export the Department of Commerce has undertaken various measures:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>&lsquo;NIRVIK&rsquo;</strong> scheme: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) has introduced a new Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS) called<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nirvik-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;NIRVIK&rsquo;</strong></a> for exporters in which increased insurance cover for export credit has been extended by banks from existing average of 60% to 90% for both Principal and Interest.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Export Credit Guarantee Corporation</strong> Ltd<strong> (ECGC)</strong> is wholly owned by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</li>
<li>The Government of India had initially set up the Export Risks Insurance Corporation in 1957.</li>
<li>After the introduction of insurance covers to banks during the period 1962-64, the name was changed to Export Credit &amp; Guarantee Corporation Ltd in 1964.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was changed to ECGC Ltd in August 2014.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its<strong> objective</strong> was to promote exports from the country by providing credit risk insurance and related services for exports.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme:</strong> An online portal for filing applications under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/transport-and-marketing-assistance-tma-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA)'</strong></a> scheme for Specified Agriculture Products has been launched.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a scheme for <strong>providing financial assistance</strong> for transport and marketing of agriculture products to boost exports of such commodities to certain countries in Europe and North America.</li>
<li>To <strong>mitigate disadvantage</strong> of higher cost of transportation of export of specified agriculture products due to trans-shipment.</li>
<li>To <strong>promote brand recognition</strong> for Indian agricultural products in the specified overseas markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin Management System:</strong> It gives a single access point for all exporters, for all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and for all agencies. India has 15 FTAs/PTAs and 7 lakh &lsquo;Certificates of Origin&rsquo; are issued annually.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The platform will be made live for FTAs as per the concurrence of the concerned partner countries. This process is electronic, paperless and transparent with real time tracking of FTA utilisation at product level and country level. It will also lead to reduced transaction cost and time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP):</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/remission-of-duties-or-taxes-on-export-product" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RoDTEP</strong></a> is a new scheme to replace existing <strong>Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS)</strong> scheme.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from boosting the export sector of our country, RoDTEP will coordinate with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to reduce the post-production transaction costs for exporters.</li>
<li>The implementation of the scheme thereby must provide a production-oriented process along with WTO, which in turn can boost the production of SMEs, MSMEs.</li>
<li><strong>Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS)</strong> was not WTO rules compliant. It was introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The objective was to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods/products which are produced /manufactured in India including products produced/manufactured by MSME Sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Logistics Sector:</strong> National Logistics Policy, 2019 is being prepared with the aim to bring down the total logistics cost from 14% to 9% of the country's GDP.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy aims to boost business competitiveness, drive economic growth and make India a global logistics hub.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, the Indian logistics sector provides livelihood to more than 22 million people and improving the sector will facilitate 10 % decrease in indirect logistics cost leading to the growth of 5 to 8% in exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Modal Transportation of Goods Bill, 2019</strong> aims at facilitating the movement of goods for exports, imports and domestic trade. It will help to fix accountability and liabilities for violation of its provisions.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Multimodal transportation includes a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end deliveries of goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Skilling for Logistics Sector:</strong> 34 Qualification Packs (QPs) for skill development of manpower engaged in Logistics Sector have been developed and finalised in collaboration with Logistics Skill Council. This is the first time that such qualification packs have been developed.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Qualification Packs (QPs):</strong> These are occupational standards that describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function.</li>
<li>They are performance standards that individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/agriculture-export-policy-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agriculture Export Policy</strong></a>: The Agriculture Export Policy has been approved to establish linkage between Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) and the exporters, a portal has been created by Agricultural &amp; Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>APEDA is a non-trading, <strong>statutory body</strong> established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985.</li>
<li>APEDA has marked its presence in almost all agro potential states of India and has been providing services to the agri-export community through its head office in New Delhi, five Regional offices and 13 Virtual offices.</li>
<li>In 2017, APEDA launched a mobile app- &ldquo;Farmer Connect&rdquo; to allow farmers to apply online to facilitate their farm registration, tracking the status of application &amp; approvals by State Government and Lab sampling by authorized Laboratories.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS):</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steel-import-monitoring-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SIMS</strong></a> will facilitate the Steel Industry by providing advance information about steel imports to all stakeholders including Government, steel industry and steel importers for effective policy interventions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Importers of specified steel products will register in advance on the web portal of SIMS providing necessary information. The registration will be online and automatic and no human intervention is required.</li>
<li>This was launched in the background of <strong>India becoming a favourite dumping ground</strong> for steelmakers from not just China but also from Japan and South Korea, which threatened the domestic steel industry of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade Facilitation Measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA):</strong> It will enable trade promotion between the two countries.</li>
<li><strong>Border Haats:</strong> Besides the four operational Border Haats across India-Bangladesh border in Tripura and Meghalaya, construction of three Border Haats in Meghalaya, out of six already identified locations (two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya) has been completed. It will Improve trade with Bangladesh.-</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Merger of Council of Trade and Development and Board of Trade:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This common platform, consisting of representatives from industry, export promotion councils, Government of India and State Governments and representatives from Banking and Finance Sector is playing a critical role in addressing export related concerns, with a focus on addressing these on a priority basis.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The new board would provide a platform to states and union territories for articulating their perspectives on trade policy and help states to develop and pursue export strategies in line with the national foreign trade policy.</li>
<li>Besides, the forum would advise the government on policy measures for preparation and implementation of short and long term plans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2019:</strong> This will enable any entity to set up a unit in the Special Economic Zone (SEZs), including Trusts. This will help boost investments and create new export and job opportunities.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Better facilities for employees:</strong> SEZ units allowed to create facilities/amenities like cr&egrave;che, gymnasium, cafeteria for their exclusive use as a measure towards ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Foreign Direct Investment:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>100% FDI has been allowed under the automatic route for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure.</li>
<li>100% FDI under automatic route has also been allowed in contract manufacturing. Providing more flexibility and ease of operations to <strong>Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT)</strong> entities.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All procurements made from India shall be counted towards local sourcing, whether goods are sold in India or exported. Online retail trading permitted up to two years prior to opening brick and mortar stores.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Institute of Design (Amendment) Act, 2019:</strong> It conferred <a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-august-2019#30" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Institute of National Importance status</strong></a> to the four new National Institute of Design (NIDs). The four new NIDs at Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Haryana to be declared as Institutions of National Importance on the lines of NID, Ahmedabad.</li>
<li><strong>National Traders' Welfare Board:</strong> It is an institutional mechanism that will identify measures for the welfare of traders and their employees, improve their access to funds and recommend <strong>social security benefits</strong> for them including insurance and pension.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Traders&rsquo; Welfare Board, constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, will be headed by a non-official chairperson and its 15 members will be nominated by the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s stand on mega-regional economic agreement:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to ensure interests of the Indian industry and farmers in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), India successfully laid out its stand in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> India&rsquo;s key concerns were not addressed.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India took a strong stance to protect the interest of domestic producers. This decision will help vulnerable sectors including farmers and the dairy sector as well as small manufacturers, who would have been threatened by RCEP rules.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has also secured agreement for review of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN FTA (ASEAN-India Free Trade Area-AIFTA)</strong></a> after repeated follow up. This will help in removing rules that affect Indian producers and exporters and will also promote Indian exports and Make in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'International Tea Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>first International Tea Day</strong> was observed on 21<sup>st</sup> May after it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UN General Assembly called on the <strong>Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO is an agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>)</strong> to lead the observance of the day.</li>
<li>May 21 was chosen because the <strong>season of tea production begins in May</strong> in most of the tea producing countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tea is a beverage made from the<strong> Camellia sinesis plant.</strong> It is the world&rsquo;s most consumed drink, after water.</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> It is believed that tea originated in <strong>northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China,</strong> but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago.</li>
<li><strong>Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tea production and processing</strong> constitutes a main source of livelihoods and subsistence for millions in developing and least developed countries.</li>
<li>It is a labour-intensive sector, providing jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.</li>
<li>Tea can play a <strong>significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security</strong> in developing countries, being one of the most important <strong>cash crops.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Development:</strong> Tea production and processing contributes towards various <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sustainable development goals</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduction of extreme poverty (Goal 1).</li>
<li>Fight against hunger (Goal 2).</li>
<li>Empowerment of women (Goal 5).</li>
<li>Sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Goal 15).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plantation condition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tea is a<strong> tropical</strong> and <strong>sub-tropical plant</strong> and grows well in moderately hot and humid climates.</li>
<li>The ideal temperature for its growth is 20&deg;-30&deg;C and temperatures above 35&deg;C and below 10&deg;C are harmful for the bush.</li>
<li>It requires 150-300 cm annual rainfall which should be well distributed throughout the year.</li>
<li>The most suitable soil for tea cultivation is<strong> slightly acidic soil (without calcium)</strong> with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, with more floods and droughts, are already affecting yields, tea product quality and prices, lowering incomes and threatening rural livelihoods.</li>
<li>In parallel, there is a growing recognition of the need to contribute to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-land-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> mitigation, by reducing carbon emissions from tea production and processing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FAO has designated 4 tea cultivation sites in <strong>China, Korea</strong> and <strong>Japan</strong> as <strong>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pu&rsquo;er Traditional Tea Agrosystem (China)</li>
<li>Fuzhou Jasmine and Tea Culture System (China)</li>
<li>Traditional Tea-grass Integrated System (Japan)</li>
<li>Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem, Hwagae-myeon (Republic of Korea)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M8tSwibr5_w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) was started by the FAO to safeguard and support the <strong>world's agricultural heritage systems.</strong></li>
<li>GIAHS are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage.</li>
<li><strong>Three recognised GIAHS sites in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of <strong>Kerala.</strong></li>
<li>Koraput Traditional Agriculture of <strong>Odisha.</strong></li>
<li>Pampore Saffron Heritage of<strong> Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-tea-day'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Ecologically Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change interacted with Chief Ministers of six states through a video conference to discuss issues relating to notification of<strong> Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) pertaining to Western Ghats.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These six states include <strong>Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government had constituted a High Level Working Group under the <strong>Chairmanship of</strong> <strong>Dr. Kasturirangan to conserve and protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats</strong> while allowing for sustainable and inclusive development of the region.</li>
<li>The Committee had recommended that identified geographical areas falling in the six States of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu may be declared as <strong>Ecologically Sensitive Areas.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee recommended to bring just <strong>37% of the Western Ghats</strong> under the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zones &mdash; <strong>down from the 64%</strong> suggested by the <strong>Gadgil Committee report.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/green-tribunal-steps-in-to-conserve-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, also known as the Gadgil Committee</strong></a> was an environmental research commission appointed by the government in 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>draft notification</strong> related to the same was issued in <strong>2018</strong> mentioning the areas to be notified in the ESA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All the involved States recognised a <strong>need to protect the Western Ghats.</strong> However, the states expressed their concerns related to <strong>the allowed activities and extent of area</strong> mentioned in the draft notification.</li>
<li>Further, it has been also decided that <strong>state specific issues</strong> will be discussed and <strong>resolved through the consensus.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Eco-Sensitive Areas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs)are located within <strong>10 kms</strong> around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.</li>
<li>ESAs are notified by the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) </strong>under<strong> Environment Protection Act 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The basic aim is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A committee headed by ecologist Madhav Gadgil also known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) in 2011 recommended that all of the Western Ghats be declared as the Ecological Sensitive Areas (ESA) with <strong>only limited development allowed in graded zones.</strong></li>
<li>The panel had classified the Western Ghats into <strong>Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) 1, 2 and 3 of which ESA-1 is high priority,</strong> almost all developmental activities (mining, thermal power plants etc) were restricted in it.</li>
<li>It specified that the system of governance of the environment should be a <strong>bottom to top approach (right from Gram sabhas)</strong> rather than a top to bottom approach.</li>
<li>It also recommended the constitution of a <strong>Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA),</strong> as a statutory authority under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</li>
<li>The report was criticized for being <strong>more environment-friendly</strong> and not in tune with the ground realities.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Kasturirangan Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Kasturirangan Commission sought to <strong>balance the development and environment</strong> protection in contrast to the system proposed by the Gadgil report.The committees major recommendations were:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of the total area of Western Ghats, <strong>only 37%</strong> of the total area to be brought under ESA.</li>
<li>Complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in ESA.</li>
<li>No thermal power projects to be allowed and hydropower projects be allowed only after detailed study.</li>
<li>Red industries i.e. which are highly polluting to be strictly banned.</li>
<li>The report recommended exclusion of inhabited regions and plantations from the purview of ESAs making it a pro farmer approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>Development vs Conservation debate. Hence,</strong> a proper analysis based on scientific study followed by consensus among various stakeholders by addressing respective concerns is required urgently.</li>
<li>Holistic view of threats and demands on the forest land, products and services, devising strategies to address these with clearly stated objectives for the authorities involved must be taken.</li>
<li>Any further delay in the implementation will only accentuate degrading of the most prized natural resource of the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625885" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The International Day for Biological Diversity is<strong> observed on 22<sup>nd</sup> May</strong> every year to increase <strong>understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.</strong></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590136096_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590136096_image1.png" width="554" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" height="191" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The theme for the year 2020 is<strong> &ldquo;Our solutions are in nature&rdquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theme highlights that Biodiversity remains the answer to a number of sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, to food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity remains the basis for a sustainable future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The year 2020 is a reflection, opportunity and solutions for biodiversity issues. The year will witness: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The final period for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2011-2020 Strategic Plan on Biodiversity</strong></a> and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.</li>
<li>The end of the<strong> 2011-2020 United Nations Decade on Biodiversity,</strong> and start of other new pivotal biodiversity related decades for the period 2021-2030: the <strong>UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development</strong> and the <strong>UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> UN Biodiversity Summit</strong> (15<sup>th</sup> Conference of the Parties: COP-15) which will highlight the urgency of actions in support of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework that contributes to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</strong></a> and places the global community on a path towards realizing the <strong>2050 Vision for Biodiversity.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sustainable Goal 15</strong> aims to &ldquo;Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> March: <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-water-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Water Day</a></strong></li>
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> April: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Earth Day</strong></a></li>
<li>22<sup>nd</sup> May :<strong> World Biodiversity Day</strong></li>
<li>Recently the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-hour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Earth Hour</strong></a> was observed on 28<sup>th</sup> March, 2020. It encourages people to switch off the lights from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm as per their local time.</li>
</ul>
</div>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-for-biological-diversity'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Odisha Promotes Contract Farming',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Odisha government has promulgated an ordinance allowing investors and farmers to enter into an agreement for <strong>contract farming.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contract farming has been allowed in view of the continuing <strong>uncertainties</strong> due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ordinance aims to facilitate both farmers and sponsors to develop<strong> mutually beneficial and efficient</strong> contract farming systems.</li>
<li>It is also expected to improve the production and marketing of agricultural produce and livestock while promoting farmers&rsquo; interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Participants in the Contract Farming Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement will be entered into between the contract farming sponsor (the one who offers to participate in any component) or entire value chain including pre production, and the contract farming producer (i.e. farmers who agree to produce the crop or rear the livestock).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Involved Loans and Advances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The loans and advances given by the sponsor to the producer can be recovered from the sale proceeds of the produce.</li>
<li>It cannot be realised by way of sale or mortgage or lease of the land in respect of which the agreement has been entered into.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No transfer of Land Rights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also states that notwithstanding anything contained in the agreement, no title, rights, ownership or possession of land or premises or other such property will be transferred or alienated or vest in the sponsor or its successor or its agent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contract Farming and Services Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also mentions the constitution of a <strong>&ldquo;Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Committee&rdquo;</strong> to review the performance of the contract farming and to make suggestions to the government for its promotion and efficient performance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Contract Farming</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contract farming signifies an agricultural production (including livestock and poultry) based on a <strong>pre-harvest agreement</strong> between buyers (such as food processing units and exporters), and producers (farmers or farmer organisations).</li>
<li>The producer can sell the agricultural produce at a specific price in the future to the buyer as per the agreement.</li>
<li>Under contract farming, the <strong>producer</strong> can <strong>reduce the risk</strong> of fluctuating <strong>market price and demand.</strong> The <strong>buyer</strong> can reduce the<strong> risk of non-availability of quality produce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, contract farming is regulated under the<strong> Indian Contract Act, 1872.</strong></li>
<li>In addition, the Model APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Act, 2003 provides specific provisions for contract farming, like compulsory registration of contract farming sponsors and dispute settlement.</li>
<li>Since<strong> agriculture is a state list</strong> subject, therefore contract farming is <strong>not uniform.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong> </a>observed that market fees and other levies are paid to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-produce-to-agriculture-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APMC</strong></a> for contract framing when no services such as market facilities and infrastructure are rendered by them.</li>
<li>Thus, it has been recommended that contract farming should be out of the ambit of APMCs. Instead, an <strong>independent regulatory authority</strong> must be brought in to disengage contract farming stakeholders from the existing APMCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture came out with a<strong> draft Model Contract Farming Act, 2018.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The draft Model Act seeks to create a regulatory and policy framework for contract farming. Based on this draft Model Act, legislatures of states can enact a law on contract farming.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contract farming addresses the problem of <strong>low investment</strong> in agriculture and ensures a supply of quality inputs, technical guidance and management support for farmers.</li>
<li>It provides an <strong>assured market and a pre-agreed sale price for produce,</strong> makes it easier for farmers to<strong> access cheaper institutional credit.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The contract farming seeks to provide alternative marketing channels and better price realisation to farmers. It has been observed that if the market price rises higher than the contracted price, the farmers are tempted to sell the produce to someone else for a higher price. On the other hand, if market prices were to fall below the contracted rate, the buyer often fails to honour the commitment.</li>
<li>It is also necessary to remember that for <strong>growers agriculture is a livelihood issue</strong> and for <strong>processors and aggregators it is business.</strong> Hence the Government should play the <strong>role of a facilitator</strong> to promote as well as to develop a healthy system of <strong>farmer-corporate relationship for mutual benefit and development of the agriculture sector in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covid-19-impact-odisha-promotes-contract-farming-system/article31644389.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/odisha-promotes-contract-farming'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Self Reliance in Defence Manufacturing',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/grasping-the-defence-self-reliance-nettle/article31635965.ece?homepage=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle&rdquo;</strong></a> from The Hindu published on 21/05/20. It talks about the challenges and the way forward for Defence manufacturing in India.</p>
</div>
<p>The superpower ambition, growing complexity of security challenges in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood and economic power (India poised to become a $5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025), to safeguard these interests, India requires strong defence capabilities.</p>
<p>In pursuit of this, for most of the past decade, India has been one of the world&rsquo;s largest arms importers (accounting for about 12% of global arms imports). However, with 60-70% import-dependence for weapons, spares and ammunition create vulnerabilities during military crises.</p>
<p>In order to promote self-reliance in defence production, the government has announced several measures under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan</strong></a>. Though these steps are in the right direction, there are long-overdue reforms to make India truly self-reliant in defence manufacturing.</p>
<h3>Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Too Much Delay:</strong> In the past five years, the Indian government has approved over 200 defence acquisition proposals with the transfer of technology provision, valued around Rs 4 trillion, but most are still in relatively early stages of processing.</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Driven:</strong> India has four companies (Indian ordnance factories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)) among the top 100 biggest arms producers of the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All four of these companies are public sector enterprises and account for the bulk of the domestic armament demand.</li>
<li>Governments usually have tended to privilege Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) over the private sector, despite &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Critical Technologies:</strong> Poor design capability in critical technologies, inadequate investment in R&amp;D and inability to manufacture major subsystems and components hamper the indigenous manufacturing. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The relationship between the R&amp;D establishment, production agencies (public or private) and the end-user are extremely weak.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Long Gestation Period:</strong> The creation of a manufacturing base is capital and technology-intensive and has a long gestation period. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For a factory to reach optimum levels of capacity utilisation, it could take anywhere between five to 10 to even 15 years and by the time a unit commences production, any of the following developments can take place:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There could be changes in the threat assessment/ strategy involving a complete change in priorities. For instance, buying a new advanced radar system may acquire a higher priority instead of adding more tanks or armoured vehicles.</li>
<li>Newer technologies could make products outdated unable to match with what the enemy may have acquired.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Manufacturing Environment:</strong> Also, issues related to stringent labour laws, compliance burden and lack of skills, affects the development of indigenous manufacturing in defence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to this, India hasn&rsquo;t been able to attract FDI in defence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Coordination:</strong> Overlapping jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Industrial Promotion impair India's capability of defence manufacturing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Newly Appointed CDS:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/chief-of-defence-staff-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)</strong></a> could examine the defence acquisitions from a tri-service angle, this may avoid delays and speed up the defence procurement process.</li>
<li><strong>Mandatory Transfer of Technology for Subsystems:</strong> It is imperative that when India imports any weapon systems, there should be a plan for the ammunition and spares to be eventually manufactured in India so that we are not driven to seek urgent replenishments from abroad during crises. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The same goes for repair, maintenance and overhaul facilities for the upgrading of the weapons platforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Modernising Ordnance Factories Board:</strong> Over the decades, ordnance factories have been the backbone of indigenous supplies to India&rsquo;s armed forces, from weapons systems to spares, ammunition and auxiliaries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their structure, work culture and the product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overhauling of Existing Regulations and Practices:</strong> A long-term integrated perspective plan of the requirements of the armed forces should give the industry a clear picture of future requirements. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The next Defence Procurement Procedure</strong> should incorporate guidelines to promote forward-looking strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign companies, with a view to achieving indigenisation over a period of time for even sophisticated platforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Defence Exports:</strong> Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable when the door to defence exports is promoted with a transparent policy.</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Conflict of Interest:</strong> The role of<strong> Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong> as the government&rsquo;s sole adviser, developer and evaluator of technologies creates a conflict of interest for entry of private players.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the role of DRDO should be revised, in order to give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Sector Reforms Under Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revision of FDI Limit:</strong> The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is raised from 49% to 74%.</li>
<li><strong>Project Management Unit (PMU):</strong> The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (for contract management purposes).</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Defence Import Bill:</strong> The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from the domestic market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Separate budget provision</strong> for domestic capital procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board:</strong> It will include a public listing of some units, ensuring a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end-user.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority. The attainment of this will ensure strategic independence, cost-effective defence equipment and may lead to saving on defence import bill, which can subsequently finance the physical and social infrastructure.</p>
<p><a href="/admin/articles/edit/&lt;iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https:/www.youtube.com/embed/eZuoNjQZdj0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590125626_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="564" height="695" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #eaf7e9;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority.&rdquo; Analyse the statement in the context of defence manufacturing in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eZuoNjQZdj0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/grasping-the-defence-self-reliance-nettle/article31635965.ece?homepage=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle&rdquo;</a></strong> from The Hindu published on May 21st, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/self-reliance-in-defence-manufacturing'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Banks Seek Another Moratorium',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The banking sector is pushing for a moratorium on loan repayments by another <strong>three months to 31<sup>st</sup> August,</strong> easing of <strong>bad loan (Non-Performing Assets) recognition norms</strong> from 90 days to 180 days and <strong>one-time restructuring of loans</strong> as relief measures to tackle the impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a> and the slowdown in the economy due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These demands were raised at the recent meetings of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) top officials with the chiefs of banks and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/A%20nuanced%20understanding%20of%20the%20NBFC%20sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Banking Financial Companies</strong></a> (NBFCs).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On 27<sup>th</sup> March, 2020, the RBI announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>three-month moratorium</strong></a> (1<sup>st</sup> March to 31<sup>st</sup> May) on loan and <strong>card repayments</strong> and <strong>slashed its main policy rate, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/repo-rate-unchanged" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Repo rate</a></strong> by 75 basis points and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-keeps-policy-rates-unchanged" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cash Reserve Ratio</strong></a> (CRR) of banks by 100 basis points to stabilize the financial markets and reduce the pain on borrowers.</li>
<li>The RBI had stipulated banks should create a <strong>10% provisioning on all loans</strong> that are overdue but not yet a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-performing asset</strong></a> (NPA) and where moratorium has been approved.</li>
<li>While the provisioning could be adjusted against the provisioning for slippages into NPAs during fiscal 2021, it becomes important to see how the <strong>banking sector manages asset quality</strong> in the near term post the moratorium period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Moratorium Provision :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>retail</strong> segment, higher instances of moratorium utilisation were observed in <strong>agri loans, micro-credit, commercial vehicle loans and other unsecured retail products like credit cards.</strong></li>
<li>Several<strong> borrowers</strong> opting for moratorium had sufficient account balances indicating that borrowers want to be more liquid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons Behind Demands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Extension of moratorium is <strong>required</strong> as <strong>factories are unlikely to start production</strong> in May due to curbs in many important industrial belts, supply chains remain broken and job losses have increased.</li>
<li>It will imply companies<strong> need not pay till 31<sup>st</sup> August,</strong> and it also implies almost minimal possibility of companies being able to pay their interest liabilities then in September,<strong> failing which the account might be classified NPA</strong> as per existing norms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, loans in which the borrower fails to pay principal and/or interest charges within 90 days are classified as NPAs and provisioning is made accordingly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Banks want the NPA recognition limit to be raised to 180 days to limit the surge in NPAs.</li>
<li>Restructuring of loans will help in easing the interest burden on borrowers.</li>
<li>Also, bankers are not sure whether RBI will change its <strong>&lsquo;June 7 circular&rsquo;</strong> concept on stressed assets and restructuring.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>RBI&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbis-debt-resolution-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets</a> June 7 circular,</strong> mandates banks to recognize stress and initiate a review of default within 30 days. The June 7 circular is stringent and gives little flexibility to banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Negative Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Extension means a <strong>delay in payment and borrowers will have to shell out the installments and interest charges</strong> later.</li>
<li>Banks are already facing sluggish credit offtake and a spike in non-performing assets due to the lockdown and the contraction in the economy.</li>
<li>According to <strong>Crisil</strong> ratings, NPAs are set to rise by 150-200 basis points this fiscal (2020-21).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Banks and NBFCs have raised these demands as <strong>moratorium alone is not sufficient</strong> to come out of the crisis.</li>
<li>The RBI needs to give <strong>operational flexibility to banks</strong> for a<strong> comprehensive restructuring of the existing loans</strong> and also a reclassification of 90-day norm.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/as-lockdown-extends-banks-seek-another-3-month-moratorium-from-rbi-6420047/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/banks-seek-another-moratorium'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'India Resumes Purchase of Malaysian Palm Oil',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has <strong>resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after</strong> a gap of four-month following a diplomatic row between the two countries.</p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The former Prime Minister had criticised India's <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</strong></a> which was considered as an interference in the internal matter of India.</li>
<li>Subsequently, the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-trade-diplomacy-with-malaysia-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diplomatic row</strong></a> emerged between the two countries.</li>
<li>Following the incident, India <strong>imposed a ban on imports of palm oil</strong> from Malaysia.</li>
<li>The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between India and Malaysia after the formation of a new government in Malaysia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India's total palm oil imports from Malaysia for the first four months of 2020<strong> fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India's Palm Oil import:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is the <strong>world&rsquo;s biggest buyer of edible oils.</strong></li>
<li>India buys<strong> more than two-thirds</strong> of its total edible oil imports as<strong> palm oil.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Malaysian Import over Indonesia:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Malaysia</strong> is the<strong> world's second</strong> largest producer of palm oil <strong>after Indonesia.</strong></li>
<li>Malaysia's palm oil inventories <strong>production has surged</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coronavirus lockdowns</strong></a> led to a slump in demand.</li>
<li>Thus, Malaysian palm oil is available at a <strong>discount price</strong> compared to supplies from Indonesia. On the other hand, Indonesia has also raised its <strong>palm oil export levy.</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, Malaysia has also signed a deal to <strong>buy 100,000 tonnes of Indian rice.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India-Malaysia Relation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India established diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Relation:</strong> India and Malaysia have signed <strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).</strong> CECA is a kind of<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/a-note-on-free-trade-agreements-and-their-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Free Trade Agreement (FTA)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investments with the 10-member <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-summit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Malaysia is the third largest trading partner in ASEAN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bilateral trade between India and Malaysia is significantly biased in favour of Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence &amp; Security Cooperation:</strong> Joint military exercises <strong>&ldquo;Harimau Shakti&rdquo;</strong> are held annually between the two countries.</li>
<li><strong>Traditional medicine:</strong> India and Malaysia have signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine in October 2010. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government of Malaysia has been working to popularize <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) systems</a> in Malaysia.</li>
<li>AYUSH systems are practiced in Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590060002_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590060002_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-resumes-purchases-of-malaysian-palm-oil-traders/articleshow/75821854.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: ET</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-resumes-purchase-of-malaysian-palm-oil'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Preventive Methods for Alzheimers',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers at the <strong>Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati</strong> (IIT-G) have found methods for preventing the accumulation of <strong>neurotoxic molecules</strong> in the brain, which leads to<strong> Alzheimer&rsquo;s</strong> disease.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cause of Alzheimer&rsquo;s is the <strong>accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides</strong> (neurotoxic molecules) in the brain.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Peptide</strong> is similar to the plaque that blocks arteries and affects blood supply, leading to cardiovascular diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Peptide aggregation/accumulation</strong> means their formation of one over the other, <strong>deforming the cortex of the brain</strong> which leads to Alzheimer&rsquo;s.</li>
<li>The peptide molecules need to have a <strong>certain structure to aggregate.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preventive Methods:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Use of Trojan Peptides:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this approach, the purpose is to design a <strong>deceitful peptide</strong> with <strong>&ldquo;negative syncretical points&rdquo;</strong> for checking the plaque formation.</li>
<li><strong>Trojan peptide</strong> (deceitful peptide) has the same structure as the peptide in the body but its <strong>function is contrary to aggregation.</strong></li>
<li>It adopts a similar <strong>approach of deceit</strong> to impede the aggregation of the amyloid peptide, and reduce poisoning of nerve cells that leads to memory loss.</li>
<li>The degeneration of poisoned cells can be delayed by intravenous injection of the trojan peptide, which in turn, can delay the onset of disease by 10 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of a low-voltage electric field:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The electric field can <strong>prevent amyloid plaques from aggregating.</strong></li>
<li>The use of an external electric or magnetic field <strong>modulates peptide molecules</strong> to pull back the possibility of Alzheimer&rsquo;s to a certain extent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Discoveries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>July 2019,</strong> an Indian-American scientist at the <strong>University of New Mexico</strong> developed an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vaccine-for-alzheimers-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>early version vaccine</strong></a> for Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vaccine intervention could <strong>rescue memory impairments and prevent neurons from dying</strong> by reducing tau tangles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2019, China</strong> approved the <strong>world&rsquo;s first multi-targeting</strong> and <strong>carbohydrate-based</strong> drug <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-s-first-drug-for-alzheimer-s-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GV-971</strong></a> for Alzheimer&rsquo;s.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>neurological disorder</strong> which causes brain cells to <strong>degenerate and die.</strong> This leads to loss of memory, problems with words in speaking or writing, poor judgment, changes in mood and personality, confusion with time or place, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the <strong>first stage,</strong> these symptoms are <strong>mild</strong> but they become <strong>more severe with time.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is the <strong>most common cause of dementia</strong> among older adults.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Dementia</strong> is a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is caused by the <strong>build-up of proteins</strong> known as <strong>tau tangles or plaques</strong> within the brain and is also known as the <strong>third type of diabetes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tau</strong> is a protein that when it occurs in tangled formations in the brain of Alzheimer patients, disrupts the ability of neurons to communicate with one another in the brain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alzheimer&rsquo;s is an<strong> incurable disease,</strong> as the death of brain cells cannot be reversed.</li>
<li><strong>Women have a higher risk</strong> of having Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease than men.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Around 100 potential drugs</strong> for the treatment of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease<strong> failed</strong> between 1998 and 2011 and now these developments are a <strong>big step</strong> in the direction.</li>
<li>The cure is important for<strong> India</strong> because it<strong> stands at the third position after China and the USA</strong> in the number of Alzheimer&rsquo;s patients. Along with cure, India also needs to clearly define public health strategy with a significant focus on research into degenerative diseases and investment in the training of healthcare personnel.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/iit-guwahati-takes-trojan-horse-route-to-fight-alzheimers-disease/article31634337.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/preventive-methods-for-alzheimers'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Steps to Boost Ease of Doing Business',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India has decided to bring various amendments to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)</strong></a> and Companies Act, 2013 to enhance <strong>ease of doing business</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The amendments to these laws are a part of the government&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>economic stimulus</strong></a> package announced under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India was placed at<strong> 63<sup>rd</sup> position</strong> in the<strong> World Bank&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ease of doing business report, 2020</a></strong> out of 190 countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Changes in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings has been <strong>raised to Rs.1 crore</strong> (from Rs.1 lakh, which largely insulates <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises-MSMEs</strong></a>).</li>
<li>Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the pandemic.</li>
<li>Empowering the Central Government to exclude Covid-19 related debt from the definition of &ldquo;default&rdquo; under the IBC for the purpose of triggering insolvency proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decriminalisation under Companies Act, 2013:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The move seeks to<strong> remove criminal penalties</strong> from all provisions of the Companies Act, except provisions dealing with fraudulent conduct.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decriminalised offences include administrative offences such as delays in filing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong> </a>reports, or failure to rectify the register of members in compliance with orders from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-fact-for-prelims-4th-march-2019-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A number of offences under the Act previously classified as compoundable offences will not have imprisonment penalty now. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Compoundable offences are those offences that have either imprisonment or fines as punishments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some of the <strong>offences under the Act have been omitted altogether</strong> while <strong>others have been shifted from the purview of the NCLT</strong> to an in-house adjudication mechanism. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the in-house adjudication mechanism the matter will be dealt by the Registrar of Companies (RoC).</li>
<li>The RoC is empowered to decide penalties for the offences under the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other changes to raise funds for companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.</li>
<li>Private companies which just want to list <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-30th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Convertible Debentures</strong></a> (NCDs) on stock exchanges not to be regarded as listed companies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will bring additional sources of funding to companies who do not wish to comply with the regulations applicable to listed companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rationale behind the Amendment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The decriminalisation efforts are to <strong>pull back on regulations introduced in 2014</strong> aimed at boosting corporate compliance.</li>
<li><strong>As compliance levels have improved,</strong> the government now felt a need to <strong>boost ease of doing business</strong> and therefore, it has started to relax criminal provisions.</li>
<li>These moves will bring great relief to companies as they can <strong>focus on business revival rather</strong> than worry about defaults and compliance.</li>
<li>These measures will prove to be <strong>instrumental in easing the financial situation</strong> of firms especially, MSMEs who have been one of the biggest victims of this pandemic crisis.</li>
<li>These amendments are admirable steps towards the three-pronged goal of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Reducing the burden on company courts,</li>
<li>Ensuring investor interests, and</li>
<li>Facilitating the ease of doing business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This could well be the step towards showing intent to incentivize domestic and global investments, especially post Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The move will <strong>hamper the recovery proceedings of financial institutions</strong> and lead to an<strong> increase in the non-performing asset.</strong></li>
<li>Suspension of insolvency initiation for up to a year may protect promoters from losing control of their companies <strong>but will not prevent creditors from seeking recoveries through other means.</strong></li>
<li>Decriminalisation of provisions in Companies Act are unrelated to Covid-19 and had been announced before the lockdown as part of previously planned reforms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-is-the-companies-act-being-changed-6419000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sources: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Health Related Schemes in Haryana',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Haryana government has launched <strong>&lsquo;H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>Hepatitis-B control programme.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Need:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India usually witnesses<strong> two peaks</strong> of H1N1 infection, one during<strong> January to March</strong> and another in<strong> post Monsoon</strong> between August and October.Thus, precautions through vaccination for H1N1 is considered to be a better solution.</li>
<li>The health workers are already facing the risk of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> while managing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, hence focussing on their <strong>health safety</strong> has become a top priority for the government.</li>
<li>In India, since 2016 about 85,000 persons are being infected by the H1N1virus and 4,900 deaths have occurred in the last few years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will vaccinate around 13,000 health workers across the state.</li>
<li>It includes a<strong> single dose vaccine</strong> and is <strong>effective</strong> for a period of <strong>one year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hepatitis-B Control Programme</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Hepatitis-B control programme has been launched under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-to-give-free-antiviral-for-hepatitis-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Viral Hepatitis Control programme</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aims at both prevention and treatment of hepatitis which is among the leading causes of liver cancer, cirrhosis of liver and acute liver failure.</li>
<li>The programme is a part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Swine Flu</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Swine flu caused by the<strong> &ldquo;swine flu virus&rdquo;, </strong>the<strong> H1N1.</strong></li>
<li>Swine Flu is an infection of the<strong> respiratory tract</strong> characterized by the usual symptoms of flu &mdash; cough, nasal secretions, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and headache.</li>
<li>It is called swine flu because it was known in the past to occur in people who had been in the <strong>vicinity of pigs.</strong></li>
<li>The virus is transmitted by <strong>short-distance airborne transmission,</strong> particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct contact are other possible sources of transmission.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hepatitis B</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a viral infection that attacks the <strong>liver</strong> and can cause both acute and chronic disease.</li>
<li>The virus is most commonly transmitted from <strong>mother to child during birth</strong> and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.</li>
<li>It is the primary cause of <strong>liver cancer.</strong></li>
<li>Hepatitis B can be <strong>prevented by vaccines</strong> that are safe, available and effective.</li>
<li>Every year, <strong>World Hepatitis Day</strong> is celebrated on the <strong>28<sup>th</sup> of July.</strong></li>
<li>It is among the four diseases apart from <strong>HIV-AIDS, TB, Malaria</strong> for which, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorses disease-specific global awareness days.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-combat-h1n1-haryana-launches-statewide-vaccination-programme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/health-related-schemes-in-haryana'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Coir Geo Textile',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA)</strong> has announced that <strong>coir geo textiles</strong> will be used for construction of rural roads under the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This would give a<strong> boost to the Coir industry</strong> hit due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic.</li>
<li>NRIDA is an agency under the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geo Textiles</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are<strong> synthetic</strong> including polyester and polypropylene or <strong>man-made materials</strong> that have varying degrees of <strong>permeability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Permeability means their surfaces have very small openings that allow liquid or gases to pass through.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Characteristics of Geo Textile Fabrics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.</li>
<li>It drains areas where water pools while keeping soil in place.</li>
<li>It serves as effective filters, catching some materials to prevent drains from clogging.</li>
<li>It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.</li>
<li>It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These functions make Geo Textile fabrics useful in many<strong> industries, especially construction and civil engineering.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Coir Geo Textile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Coir is a 100% natural fiber, obtained from a <strong>renewable source &ndash; the coconut husk.</strong></li>
<li>Coir Geo Textile is naturally <strong>resistant to rot, molds and moisture,</strong> and free from any microbial attack hence it needs no chemical treatment.</li>
<li>It has a<strong> permeable, natural and strong fabric</strong> with high durability.</li>
<li>It protects the land surface and promotes quick vegetation.</li>
<li>It is <strong>totally biodegradable,</strong> and helps in soil stabilisation.</li>
<li>It can dissipate the energy of flowing water and absorb the excess solar radiation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PMGSY New Technology Guidelines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new guidelines encourage <strong>locally available materials</strong> and use of <strong>green technologies for construction of roads</strong> under<strong> Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).</strong></li>
<li>The State Governments are required to propose a <strong>minimum 15%</strong> of total length of annual road proposals under <strong>new technologies such as</strong> cement stabilization, Lime stabilization, cold mix, waste plastics, cell filled concrete, paneled cement concrete pavement, fly ash etc.</li>
<li>Out of this, <strong>5% roads</strong> are to be constructed using <strong>Indian Road Congress (IRC) accredited technology.</strong> The IRC has now accredited coir Geo textiles for construction of rural roads.</li>
<li>Thus, <strong>5% length of the rural roads under PMGSY-III will be constructed using coir geo textiles.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1674 km road</strong> will be constructed using<strong> Coir Geo textiles in 07 states i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamilanadu </strong>and in<strong> Telangana.</strong></li>
<li>There will be a requirement of<strong> One Crore Sq. mtrs of coir geo textiles,</strong> estimated cost of which would come to <strong>Rs.70 Crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Road Congress</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the <strong>apex body of Highway Engineers</strong> in the country.</li>
<li>It was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the <strong>Indian Road Development Committee</strong> also known as <strong>Jayakar Committee</strong> (under the Chairmanship of Shri M.R. Jayakar) with the objective of road development in India.</li>
<li>It works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</li>
<li>It is committed to utilise global best practices and promote the <strong>use of cutting edge technologies</strong> for construction for the maintenance of roads, bridges and road transportation.</li>
<li>It promotes <strong>environmental strategy for promotion of cleaner, less energy intensive and less polluting construction techniques</strong> and use of recycled wastes.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Road Congress (IRC) accredited technology:</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Committee for Accreditation of New Materials and Techniques</strong> formed under the aegis of<strong> Highway Research Board of Indian Roads Congress</strong> gives accreditations to patented or new materials, techniques developed in India and abroad and evaluated as per recognized National/ International Specifications.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana - III</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Phase III of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was <strong>launched in 2019.</strong></li>
<li>The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was<strong> launched to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency</strong> works to implement the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana across states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Rural Development along with state governments is responsible for the implementation of PMGSY.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to <strong>consolidate 1,25,000 Km</strong> road length in the States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It involves consolidation through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to <strong>Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>duration</strong> of the third phase is <strong>2019-20 to 2024-25.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> funds</strong> are shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh &amp; Uttarakhand for which it is 90:10.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625286" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coir-geo-textile'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Solarisation of Konark Sun Temple',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has launched <strong>a scheme for 100% solarisation of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/konark-temple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Konark sun temple</a> and Konark town in Odisha.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme will <strong>meet all energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To take forward the Prime Minister&rsquo;s vision to develop the historical Sun temple town of Konark in Odisha as <strong>&lsquo;Surya Nagri&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>To convey a message of synergy between the modern use of solar energy and the ancient Sun Temple and the importance of promoting solar energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plan:</strong> It envisages <strong>setting up of the 10-MW grid</strong> connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications such as solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks and off-grid solar power plants with battery storage.</li>
<li><strong>Funding:</strong> 100% <strong>Central Financial assistance (CFA)</strong> support of around Rs. 25 crore through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation Agency</strong>: Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Konark Temple<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590046028_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590046028_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Konark was built by<strong> King Narasimhadeva I</strong> of the<strong> Ganga Dynasty</strong> (1238-1264AD) in the <strong>13<sup>th</sup> century</strong> and is located in Eastern Odisha near the sacred city of <strong>Puri.</strong></li>
<li>The temple is designed in the shape of a <strong>colossal chariot.</strong> It is <strong>dedicated to the sun God.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are two rows of 12 wheels on each side of the Konark sun temple.</li>
<li>The seven horses are said to symbolize the seven days of the week.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The temple was used as a navigational point by European sailors. They referred to it as the<strong> &lsquo;Black Pagoda&rsquo;</strong> due to its dark colour and its magnetic power that drew ships into the shore and caused shipwrecks.</li>
<li>It is the culmination of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/temple-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha temple architecture</strong></a>.</li>
<li>It was declared a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kailash-mansarovar-in-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO world heritage site</strong></a> in 1984.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1625340" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solarisation-of-konark-sun-temple'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Challenges',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/aatmanirbhar-gdp-lockdown-coronavirus-economy-liquidity-migrant-labourers-disparity-narendra-modi-6414740/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan lays strong foundations for raising our per capita GDP&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in the Indian Express on 18/05/2020. It talks about several challenges pertaining to Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the government announced an economic stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crore and big-bang systemic reforms under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> (self-reliant India).</p>
<p>The intended objective of this plan is two-fold. First, interim measures such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers for the poor will work as shock absorbers for those in acute stress.</p>
<p>The second, long-term reforms in growth-critical sectors to make them globally competitive and attractive.</p>
<p>Together, these steps may revive the economic activity, impacted by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and create new opportunities for growth in sectors like agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), power, coal and mining, defence and aviation,etc.</p>
<p>However, there are several challenges that are needed to be addressed in order to fulfill the vision of this plan.</p>
<h3>Impact of this Stimulus Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Primary Sector:</strong> The measures (<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agricultural-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reforms to amend ECA, APMC, Contract framing, etc</a></strong>) announced for the agricultural and allied sectors are particularly transformative. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These reforms are steps towards the <strong>One Nation One Market</strong> objective and help India become the <strong>food factory of the world.</strong></li>
<li>These would finally help in achieving the goal of a self-sustainable rural economy.</li>
<li>Also, the MGNREGA infusion of Rs 40,000 crore may help in alleviating the distress of migrants when they return to their villages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Secondary Sector:</strong> Given the importance of MSMEs for Indian economy, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-msmes-in-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free loan facility for MSMEs</strong></a> under the package will help this finance-starved sector and thereby provide a kickstart to the dismal state of the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, as the MSME sector is the second largest employment generating sector in India, this step will help to sustain the labour intensive industries and thereby help in <strong>leveraging India&rsquo;s comparative advantage.</strong></li>
<li>Additionally, limiting imports of weapons and increasing the limit of foreign direct investment in defence from 49% to 74% will give a much-needed boost to the production in the Ordnance Factory Board, while reducing India&rsquo;s huge defence import bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tertiary Sector:</strong> The government has adopted a balanced approach in addressing concerns across sectors. For example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The newly launched <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-05-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM e-Vidya programme</strong></a> for multi-mode access to digital online education provides a uniform learning platform for the whole nation, which shall enable schools and universities to stream courses online without further loss of teaching hours.</li>
<li>Public expenditure on health will be increased by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Issues Related to Liquidity:</strong> The package of Rs 20 lakh crore comprises both fiscal and monetary measures, the latter being in the nature of credit guarantees and liquidity infusions into banks and other financial sector institutions rather than the economy per se.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of the package is liquidity measures that are supposed to be transmitted by RBI to Banks and Banks to Citizens. This transmission wouldn&rsquo;t be as smooth owing to inefficient transmission of monetary policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Demand:</strong> The lockdown has lowered aggregate demand, and a fiscal stimulus is needed. However, the package, by relying overwhelmingly on credit infusion to boost the economy, has failed to recognise that investment will pick up only when people across income segments have money to spend.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Backward and Forward Linkages:</strong> Unless the rest of the domestic economy is revived, the MSME sector may face a shortage of demand, and its production may soon sputter to a close.</li>
<li><strong>Burgeoning Fiscal Deficit:</strong> Government claims that the stimulus package is around 10% of India&rsquo;s GDP. However, financing it would be difficult as the government is worried about containing the fiscal deficit.</li>
<li><strong>Difficulty in Mobilising Finances:</strong> The government seeks a disinvestment to mobilise the finances for the plan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the majority of Indian industries are already a bit debt-laden to take up the stake in PSUs.</li>
<li>Further, it is difficult to borrow the foriegn markets, as rupee with respect to dollar is all time low.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enhancing Demand:</strong> The economic package for the country emerging out of the lockdown requires a stimulus enhancing demand across the economy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The best way for this is to spend on greenfiled infrastructure.</li>
<li>Infrastructure spending uniquely creates structures that raise productivity and extends spending power to the section of the population most affected by the lockdown, namely daily wage labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mobilising Finances:</strong> For financing of the stimulus package, India&rsquo;s foreign reserves stand at an all-time high which could be strategically used to finance its needs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rest may have to come from privatisation, taxation, loans and more international aid.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Holistic Reforms:</strong> Any stimulus package will fail to reflect the trickle-down effect, until and unless it is backed by reforms in various sectors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, Atma nirbhar plan also encompasses the unfinished agenda of holistic reforms which may include reforms in Civil services, Education,Skill and Labour, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The economic crisis triggered by Covid-19 pandemic is much like the 1991 economic crisis, which was a harbinger of a paradigm shift via liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. The post-Covid-19 era may usher in unprecedented opportunities provided the implementation deficit is adequately addressed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590038126_image.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1590038126_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3f0ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Any financial stimulus package will fail to reflect the trickle-down effect unless it is backed by reforms in other sectors&rdquo;. Discuss the statement in context of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Zf0QKAcEZE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/afghanistan-ashraf-ghani-abdullah-taliban-peace-deal-6418096/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;One conflict less&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on May, 20<sup>th</sup> 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'India’s Afghan Policy and Taliban',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/getting-india-back-to-the-afghan-high-table/article31609810.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Getting India back to the Afghan high table&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 18/05/2020. It talks about the need to recalibrate India&rsquo;s Afghan policy, as the Taliban takes the central role in Afghanistan politics.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the United Nations Secretariat held a meeting of the <strong>&ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; group on regional efforts to support peace in Afghanistan.</strong> This group includes six neighbouring countries: China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; two global players the United States and Russia, and Afghanistan itself.</p>
<p>However, <strong>India has not been invited to this peace process.</strong> The reason given for keeping India out of this regional discussions is that India holds no &ldquo;boundary&rdquo; with Afghanistan. However, the &ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; grouping ignored India&rsquo;s stand that its territory borders Afghanistan (along Wakhan Corridor) and is currently under Pakistan&rsquo;s illegal occupation.</p>
<p>Despite all the development work taken up by India in Afghanistan over the past 18 years since the Taliban were ousted from Kabul in 2001, it finds itself on the margins of international diplomacy in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>In this context, there is a need for India to recalibrate its Afghan policy, in order to secure its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-interest-in-iran-afganistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic and economic interest</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Voice in the Afghan&rsquo;s Reconciliation Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the past, due to terror activities of the Taliban, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India has been very critical of the Taliban</strong></a> coming into power and shown resistance to publicly dealing with the Taliban.</li>
<li>Under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-taliban-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-Taliban peace deal</strong></a>, the Taliban will be in the centre of power in Afghanistan, as the US forces withdraw from Afghanistan.</li>
<li>In the present scenario, India has never announced its support for the U.S.-Taliban peace deal. Rather, India supports the Ashraf Ghani government and backs the idea of an <strong>Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled process.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, in order to provide legitimacy to recently held Afgan president elections, Ashraf Ghani entered into a power-sharing agreement with former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah.</li>
<li>This agreement will inevitably further weaken Ashraf Ghani and subsequently undermines Indian interest in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to these factors, India&rsquo;s voice in the reconciliation process has been limited.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Interest in Afghanistan</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic and Strategic Interest:</strong> Afghanistan is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich Central Asian republics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Afghanistan's main advantage is its geography, as anyone who is in power in Afghanistan controls the land routes connecting India with Central Asia (via Afghanistan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Developmental Projects:</strong> The massive reconstruction plans for the country to offer a lot of opportunities for Indian companies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Three major projects: the Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), along with India&rsquo;s assistance of more than $3 billion in projects, hundreds of small development projects (of schools, hospitals and water projects) have cemented India&rsquo;s position in Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security Interest:</strong> India has been the victim of state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistan supported terrorist group operating in the region (e,g. Haqqani network). Thus, India has two priorities in Afghanistan:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>to prevent Pakistan from setting up a friendly government in Afghanistan, and</li>
<li>to avoid the return of jihadi groups, like al Qaeda, which could strike in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Ahead</h3>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Dilemma</strong></p>
<p>Due to the Taliban&rsquo;s coming to power, India faces a dilemma, between:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Should India reconsider its current policy that a lasting political settlement in Afghanistan must come through an<strong> &ldquo;Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process''</strong> (considering that the elected Afghan Government is hardly in control of the peace process).</li>
<li>Should India, consider the option of entering into <strong>direct talks with the Taliban.</strong> But, If India does so, it would constitute a major departure from its consistent policy of dealing only with recognised governments.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dent in India&rsquo;s Goodwill</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The building blocks of India's goodwill are assistance in infrastructure projects, health care, education, trade and food security, and also in the easy access to Afghani citizens to study, train and work in India.</li>
<li>Above all, it is India&rsquo;s example as a pluralistic, inclusive democracy, inspires many in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>However, there has been a dent in India&rsquo;s goodwill, due to recent events in India, especially the controversy over the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exclusion of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has been excluded from the Afghanistan peace process many times including the recent meeting (6+2+1 grouping).</li>
<li>This poses a challenge for India to secure its interest in deciding the fate of Afghanistan and its people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India must also pursue opportunities to fulfil its role in the peace efforts in Afghanistan, starting with efforts to bridge the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/afghanistan-s-power-sharing-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ghani-Abdullah divide</strong></a>, and bringing together other major leaders with whom India has built ties for decades.</li>
<li>India should take the diplomatic route to press for its inclusion in &ldquo;6+2+1&rdquo; dialogue, to claim its legitimate role in the Afghan peace process.</li>
<li>India should leverage the United Nations&rsquo;s call for a pause in conflicts during the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Covid-19+and+lockdown+drishti+ias&amp;oq=covid+&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59l3j0j69i60l3.4987j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> to restart dialogue with Pakistan, which in turn is necessary for lasting peace in Afghanistan.</li>
<li>Also, India can learn from US-Taliban talks where two opposing parties came to the negotiating table for talks on Afghanistan&rsquo;s future. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For India, given its abiding interest in Afghanistan&rsquo;s success and traditional warmth for its people, making that leap should be a bit easier. Thus, India can consider the appointment of a special envoy and start Track II diplomacy with the Taliban.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In the current situation, it is essential for India to maintain its strong links with the Afghan government, build and support its traditional Afghan allies and open lines of communication with the Taliban.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589979416_IndiaAfghanistan.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589979416_IndiaAfghanistan.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f4e9;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>How a recent power-sharing agreement in Afghanistan will impact Indian interests in Afghanistan. Critically analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AasIzo2-04Y" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/central-governement-funds-states-aid-coronavirus-covid-19-6416283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;A Lending Hand&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published on The Indian Express on May, 19<sup>th</sup> 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Corporate Affairs',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<p>The <strong>Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)</strong> has taken several landmark initiatives in pursuance to the objective of providing greater &ldquo; Ease of Doing Business&rdquo; to all stakeholders.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It brings greater transparency in corporate structure and fosters better Corporate compliance so as to enhance the efficiency of the processes under <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-the-companies-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Companies Act, 2013</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ease of Doing Business Ranking</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has improved its ranking on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank&rsquo;s &ldquo;Doing Business&rdquo; 2020 report</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the report, India has moved up 14 positions to 63<sup>rd</sup> position as compared to 77<sup>th</sup> position in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Insolvency Index:</strong> Ministry of Corporate Affairs has contributed towards insolvency resolution. As per the latest Report in the Resolving Insolvency Index, India&rsquo;s ranking jumped 56 places to 52 in 2019 from 108 in 2018. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recovery rate increased from 26.5% in 2018 to 71.6% in 2019 and time taken in recovery improved from 4.3 years in 2018 to 1.6 years in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ease of Doing Business Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was introduced in 2003 to provide an assessment of objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on ten parameters affecting a business through its life cycle.</li>
<li>The report measures the performance of countries across 10 different parameters namely-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Starting a Business,</li>
<li>Dealing with Construction permits,</li>
<li>Electricity availability,</li>
<li>Property registration,</li>
<li>Credit availability,</li>
<li>Protecting minority Investors,</li>
<li>Paying Taxes,</li>
<li>Trading across borders,</li>
<li>Contracts enforcement, and</li>
<li>Resolving Insolvency.</li>
<li>This time two more parameters were considered namely, employing workers and contracting with the government but these are not included in the score and rankings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-makes-doing-business-easier" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Steps Taken to Provide Ease of Doing Business</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Integrated Incorporation Form - <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/spice-web-form" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically</a></strong> (SPICe) introduced which extends 8 services (CIN, PAN, TIN, DIN, Name, EPFO, ESIC and GSTN) from three Ministries through a single form.</li>
<li><strong>RUN &ndash; Reserve Unique Name:</strong> It is a web service used for reserving a<strong> name</strong> for a new company or for changing its existing<strong> name.</strong> The web service helps verify whether the <strong>name</strong> chosen for the company is<strong> unique.</strong></li>
<li><strong>De-criminalization of technical &amp; procedural violations</strong> under Companies Act and reducing the burden on criminal courts &amp; NCLT by shifting 16 offences sections to monetary penalty regime vide Companies (Amendment ) Bill , 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Various exemptions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Revised De-Minimis exemption</strong> under Competition Act 2002 for speeding up Mergers &amp; Acquisitions of companies in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>'The De Minimis' exemption means an investment adviser is exempt from registration if they have 15 or fewer clients over a 12-month period with a physical address.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Exemptions from various provisions of Companies Act to Private companies, Government Companies, Charitable companies, Nidhis and IFSC (GIFT city) companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differential Voting Rights (DVRs):</strong> Provisions relating to issue of shares with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/policy-reforms-for-startups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DVRs</strong> </a>modified with the objective of enabling promoters of Indian companies to retain control of their companies in their pursuit for growth and creation of long-term value for shareholders, even as they raise equity capital from global investors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Promoters or founders of a start up, often lose control of the firm when they dilute their stakes to raise multiple rounds of funding. This issue can be resolved by Differential Voting Rights (DVRs).</li>
<li>A DVR share is like an ordinary equity share, but it does not follow the common rule of one share-one vote,</li>
<li>It enables promoters to retain control over the company even after many new investors come in, by allowing shares with superior voting rights or lower or fractional voting rights to public investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Debenture Redemption Reserve (DRR):</strong> Provisions relating to creation of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/debenture-redemption-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> DRR</strong></a> revised with the objective of deepening the bond market &amp; reducing the cost of capital by:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Removing the requirement for creation of a DRR of 25% of the value of outstanding debentures in respect of listed companies, NBFCs registered with RBI and for Housing Finance Companies registered with National Housing Bank (NHB) both for public issue as well as private placements;</li>
<li>Reduction in DRR for unlisted companies from the present level of 25% to 10% of the outstanding debentures.</li>
<li>The measure has been taken by the government with a view to <strong>reducing the cost of the capital</strong> raised by companies through issue of debentures and is expected to significantly deepen the bond market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Debenture Redemption Reserve</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Debenture redemption reserve (DRR) is a provision stating that any Indian corporation that issues debentures must create a debenture redemption service in an effort to protect investors from the possibility of a company defaulting.</li>
<li>This provision was added to the Indian Companies Act of 1956 through an amendment introduced in the year 2000.</li>
<li>This rule offers investors a measure of protection, because debentures are not backed by an asset, a lien, or any other form of collateral.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Debentures are debt instruments</strong> used to raise capital from the general public, usually backed by the integrity and the creditworthiness of the issuer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Independent Databank: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/data-bank-of-independent-directors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Independent Directors Databank</a></strong> is launched to provide an easy to access &amp; navigate platform for the registration of existing Independent Directors as well as individuals aspiring to become independent directors.</li>
<li><strong>Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-corporate-social-responsibility-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First National CSR Awards were distributed</strong></a> by the President.</li>
<li>The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" can be referred to as corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment and impact on social welfare.</li>
<li>In India, the concept of CSR is governed by clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.</li>
<li>India is the first country in the world to mandate CSR spending along with a framework to identify potential CSR activities.</li>
<li><strong>The CSR provisions within the Act is applicable to companies with an annual turnover of 1,000 crore and more, or a net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more.</strong></li>
<li>The Act <strong>encourages companies to spend 2% of their average net profit</strong> in the previous three years on CSR activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Parliament. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This amendment Bill provides for the timely conclusion of cases, greater flexibility for corporate restructuring for maximizing value of assets, protecting primacy of secured creditors and removing voting deadlock of homebuyers, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides a generic framework for insolvency and liquidation proceedings of Financial Service Providers (FSPs) other than banks.</li>
<li>The Rules essentially aim to serve as an interim mechanism to deal with any exigency pending introduction of a full-fledged enactment (Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill) to deal with financial resolution of Banks and other systemically important financial service providers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016</strong> was amended twice in 2018 to disqualify undesirable persons from regaining control of companies undergoing resolution and to balance the interests of various stakeholders in the Code, especially interests of home buyers and micro, small and medium enterprises, promoting resolution over liquidation of corporate debtor by lowering the voting threshold of committee of creditors and streamlining provisions relating to eligibility of resolution applicants.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-corporate-affairs'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'India to Chair WHO Executive Board',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has been elected to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a>&rsquo;s Executive Board. It will also be holding a <strong>Chairmanship</strong> of the Executive Board for the next <strong>one year (from May 2020- May 2021)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, the chairmanship of the WHO Executive Board is being held by <strong>Japan.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The proposal to appoint India&rsquo;s nominee to the executive board was signed by the 194-nation at the <strong>73<sup>rd</sup> World Health Assembly</strong> between 18-19 May, 2020.</li>
<li>In 2019, WHO&rsquo;s South-East Asia group had unanimously decided that India would be elected to the executive board for a <strong>three-year-term</strong> beginning from May, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WHO Member States are grouped into <strong>6 WHO regions</strong> namely, African Region, Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Western Pacific Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been elected along with 10 other countries including Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<h3>WHO Executive Board</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Composition:</strong> The Executive Board is composed of<strong> 34 individuals technically qualified in the field of health,</strong> each one designated by a member state elected to do so by the World Health Assembly. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Member States are elected for <strong>three-year</strong> terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chairman:</strong> The chairman&rsquo;s post is held by rotation for one year among regional groups.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>not a full time assignment</strong> and the chairman is just required to chair the Executive Board&rsquo;s meetings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Meeting:</strong> The Board meets at least<strong> twice a year.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> The main functions of the Executive Board are to give effect to the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly, to advise it and generally to facilitate its work.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Health Assembly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Health Assembly is the <strong>decision-making body of WHO.</strong></li>
<li>It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.</li>
<li>The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to <strong>determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. </strong></li>
<li>The Health Assembly is <strong>held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/harsh-vardhan-set-to-be-who-executive-board-chairman-6418494/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-chair-who-executive-board'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Fall in Global Carbon Emissions',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Center for International Climate and Environmental Research</strong> (CICERO) has evaluated <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>&rsquo;s</strong> effect on <strong>carbon emissions.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has predicted that emissions will <strong>fall between 4.2 and 7.5%</strong> on last year, as <strong>against a rise of 1%</strong> which was earlier predicted for 2020 before the <a href="/https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who%20daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a> outbreak.</li>
<li>Earlier, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></a> (IEA) released <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Energy Review: 2020</strong></a> with details on the effects of the pandemic on global energy demand and carbon emissions.</li>
<li>In <strong>India,</strong> the nationwide lockdown led to minimal air pollution and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-lockdown-improved-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> improved the air quality</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Carbon emissions were <strong>5% lower</strong> than during the same time in 2019.</li>
<li><strong>Decline</strong> was noticed in <strong>coal emissions</strong> (8%),<strong> oil emissions</strong> (4.5%) and <strong>natural gas emissions</strong> (2.3%) as well.</li>
<li>Emissions declined the most in regions which were<strong> impacted the highest by the disease.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, there was an 8% decline in emissions in <strong>China and Europe,</strong> and a 9% decline in the <strong>USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Countries in <strong>full <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a></strong> are seeing an <strong>average decline of 25%</strong> in energy demand per week, while in those with a<strong> partial lockdown,</strong> the fall in energy demand is about <strong>18% per week.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Global energy demands have lowered due to the <strong>lockdowns</strong> and <strong>restricted road and air travel.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the first quarter of 2020, most <strong>carbon-intensive fuels saw the biggest fall</strong> in demand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It led to the <strong>decline in carbon emissions</strong> which was more than the fall in global energy demand.</li>
<li><strong>Commercial demand</strong> for energy has <strong>fallen</strong> as people are confined to their homes. However, <strong>domestic electricity demand</strong> has <strong>increased.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This temporary decline in carbon emissions will <strong>not slow down climate change</strong> as it is a <strong>cumulative problem</strong> and a drop from one single year will basically make no difference at all.</li>
<li><strong>A 5% drop is equivalent to 0.001 degree Celsius less warming.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Center for International Climate and Environmental Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is <strong>Norway&rsquo;s</strong> foremost institute for <strong>interdisciplinary climate research.</strong></li>
<li>It has played an active role in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</strong></a> (IPCC), since 1992.</li>
<li>CICERO has a <strong>national role</strong> in promoting knowledge about climate change and is <strong>internationally recognised</strong> as a driving force for innovative climate communication.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>International Energy Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous</strong> organisation which works to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1974,</strong> in the wake of the <strong>oil crisis of 1973</strong> after the <strong>OPEC cartel</strong> had shocked the world with a steep increase in oil prices.</li>
<li>It is headquartered in<strong> Paris, France.</strong></li>
<li>It releases the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-outlook-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Energy Outlook report</strong></a>, annually.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> became its <strong>associate member in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The reduced emissions are not something to celebrate as it is expected that <strong>emissions will soar once economies restart.</strong></li>
<li>The only way to<strong> sustain</strong> the reduced emissions is governments taking<strong> conscious decisions to change the sources of energy</strong> like moving towards renewable energy sources.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-carbon-emissions-6418117/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-global-carbon-emissions'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'United Nations Relief and Works Agency',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)</strong>, has applauded India&rsquo;s financial support to keep its basic services operating, under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India provided <strong>USD 2 million</strong> to the <strong>UNRWA</strong> in support of its core programmes and services, including education and health.</li>
<li>India had increased its annual contribution to the UNRWA from <strong>USD 1.25 million</strong> in 2016 to <strong>USD 5 million</strong> in 2019.</li>
<li>It pledged another USD 5 million for 2020 which opens its way to become a member of the agency&rsquo;s advisory commission.</li>
<li>It is also preparing medical supplies for the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Relief and Works Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a United Nations agency established by the <strong>General Assembly in 1949.</strong></li>
<li>It supports the <strong>relief</strong> and <strong>human development</strong> of <strong>Palestinian refugees</strong> across its five fields of operation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its services encompass <strong>education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in <strong>Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.</strong></li>
<li>It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support</li>
<li><strong>Palestine refugees</strong> are defined as persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine <strong>during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948,</strong> and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>17 agreements</strong> have been signed under an <strong>India-Palestine development partnership</strong> between the two sides in the fields of agriculture, health care, information technology, youth affairs, consular affairs, women empowerment and media.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India would provide an assistance of around<strong> USD 72 million</strong> through these agreements in <strong>projects</strong> like the<strong> post-2014 war reconstruction efforts in Gaza, construction of schools, setting up a centre of excellence for information and communication technologies at Al-Quds University</strong> and developing a<strong> satellite centre in Ramallah.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In March 2020, a delegation of<strong> United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP)</strong> visited india intended to engage India in the settling of the question of Palestine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has reiterated its stand and supported the Two-State solution for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine issue</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In June 2019, India voted in favour of a decision introduced by Israel in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)</strong></a> that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
<li>In June 2018, India had voted in favour of Palestine on the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA) resolution to investigate an indiscriminate force usage by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.</li>
<li>As a part of Link West Policy, India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship</strong> with Israel and Palestine in 2018 to treat both the<strong> countries mutually independent and exclusive.</strong></li>
<li>In December 2017, India had criticised the United States vote for recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the UNGA vote.</li>
<li>In 2014, India favoured <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNHRC&rsquo;s</strong></a> resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/un-agency-serving-palestine-refugees-hails-indias-contribution-6417331/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/united-nations-relief-and-works-agency'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Illicit Drug Supply and Covid-19: UNODC',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong> (UNODC) released a report on<strong> &lsquo;Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: Latest Developments and Challenges&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to this report, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> induced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdowns</strong></a> and movement restrictions may lead to an initial <strong>statistical reduction in drug seizures,</strong> but <strong>without a real change in terms of supply.</strong></li>
<li>In other words, Covid-19 is unlikely to have any effect on illicit drug supply.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shifting of Priorities:</strong> Rearrangement of governments&rsquo; priorities and resources to tackle the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>could <strong>threaten the efforts to strengthen drug prevention and treatment</strong> programmes.</li>
<li><strong>No Direct Correlation: Not every fluctuation</strong> in terms of drug seizures, prices, drug-related arrests or deaths in the coming months <strong>would be a direct or indirect consequence</strong> of the outbreak.</li>
<li><strong>Quick and Flexible Response:</strong> Active organised crime groups have shown <strong>flexibility to respond</strong> to shortages of supplies and have <strong>raised risk levels</strong> on certain trafficking routes.</li>
<li><strong>Local Capacities:</strong> Main synthetic drug of concern in the region, <strong>Methamphetamine</strong> (also called <strong>meth</strong>), was manufactured, trafficked and consumed without the need for globalised supply chains.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indian Context</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India reported a substantial increase in seizures of<strong> amphetamine-type stimulants</strong> (ATS), most of which are suspected to be meth.</li>
<li>The reasons behind the spike are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Growth in trafficking of meth from the <strong>Golden Triangle</strong> overland to Bangladesh, with some<strong> routes crossing India.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Golden Triangle</strong> represents the region coinciding with the<strong> rural mountains of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>Southeast Asia&rsquo;s main opium-producing</strong> region and one of the<strong> oldest narcotics supply routes to Europe and North America.</strong></li>
<li>Use of <strong>maritime trafficking routes</strong> from Myanmar along the Andaman Sea, some of which <strong>cross Indian territorial waters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is in the middle of two major illicit opium production regions in the world, the <strong>Golden Crescent in the west</strong> and the <strong>Golden Triangle in the east.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Golden Crescent</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This region of South Asia is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.</li>
<li>It comprises<strong> Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Easy Borders:</strong> The borders are porous and difficult to control in the lower Mekong region so cross-border movements in many places are not significantly hindered by Covid-19 measures.</li>
<li><strong>Evolving Ways of Trafficking:</strong> The methods of <strong>containerised trafficking, couriers</strong> and <strong>body-packing have reduced</strong> due to shutting down of borders and trade. However, dealers might <strong>come up with other ways</strong> limiting the impact of reduced trade.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Control:</strong> There is <strong>limited government control</strong> in the <strong>Golden Triangle,</strong> trafficking would continue at high volumes.</li>
<li><strong>Unaffected Supply:</strong> The supply of precursor chemicals is not likely to be disrupted because major organised crime groups<strong> source chemicals through direct diversion from industry</strong> and not diversion from illicit overseas trade channels.</li>
<li><strong>Lowest Price Level:</strong> The price of meth has dropped to the lowest level in a decade with the <strong>surge of supplies.</strong> This has in turn<strong> increased its affordability</strong> and, therefore, use.</li>
<li><strong>Increased Crime:</strong> Changed methods to access drugs and economic hardship might <strong>reduce the disposable income</strong> of some drug users, and <strong>result in increased crime.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Street dealing of drugs might be significantly impacted and altered due to movement restriction and social distancing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Additional Risks:</strong> Vulnerable populations of drug users may be exposed to additional risks as funding is re-prioritised, access to programmes and services becomes difficult and activities of treatment providers are hampered as they are dealing with the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established in <strong>1997</strong> and was named UNODC in <strong>2002.</strong></li>
<li>It acts as the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention by combining the<strong> United Nations International Drug Control Program</strong> (UNDCP) and the <strong>Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division of the United Nations Office at Vienna.</strong></li>
<li>UNODC publishes the <strong>World Drug Report.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Additional <strong>efforts</strong> would be required at the <strong>national, regional, and international level</strong> to carefully <strong>analyse methods and trends</strong> to understand changes to drug markets in the wake of the pandemic.</li>
<li>Moreover,<strong> methods or procedures</strong> to deal with illicit drug supply, their usage<strong> must be institutionalised</strong> in order to ensure that fight against this menace is not compromised in face of a pandemic or any other crisis.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-no-covid-shadow-over-illicit-drug-supply-unodc/article31626250.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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